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McMaster Students Union

Board of Directors

The MSU has four student leaders spearheading the operations and strategic vision of the organization. The President and three Vice-Presidents lead a team of paid and volunteer staff to accomplish goals within their one-year term. The President is elected at-large by the student body each January, and the Vice-Presidents (Administration), (Finance) and (Education) are elected by the Student Representative Assembly (SRA) in April. Any full-time undergraduate student (enrolled in 18 or more units) is eligible to run for a position on the Board of Directors.

Expandable List

Jovan Popovic
Email: president@msu.mcmaster.ca

 

Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23885

Jovan Popovic is a fifth year Commerce student, born and raised in Hamilton. A well traveled person, Jovan has been to over 30 countries and holds citizenship in Canada, Serbia and Croatia. He’s held campus roles inside the Silhouette and CFMU 93.3FM, as well as serving as co-president of the McMaster Sports Community. He’s been a journalist for more than a decade, between his own website and as sports editor of the Silhouette.

As a huge baseball fan, Jovan has interned at True Gravity Baseball over the last year, while also founding his own sports memorabilia company, coordinating autograph signings with Major League Baseball players. His personal baseball exploits include international play with the Serbian national team, before injury ended his playing career. He’s pivoted to working in the industry, attempting to follow in the footsteps of former McMaster student,  Alex Anthopoulos, current GM of the Atlanta Braves and former GM of the Toronto Blue Jays.

On campus, Jovan’s agenda includes the fostering of more community and belonging. His overarching goal as MSU president is to continue the post-pandemic recovery of campus life, and enhance student engagement and the student experience on campus.

 

Vithuyan (Vits) Sugumar

Email: vpadmin@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 23250

Vithuyan recently graduated with an Honours Life Sciences degree and has been significantly involved with the MSU as the Student Walk Home Attendant Team Coordinator, the Spark Sessions and Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. In addition, his passion for mentorship has been exemplified through his involvement as a Welcome Week Rep for Science, being a mentor for the McMaster Science Society and an Archway Mentor.

Some of Vithuyan’s hobbies include collecting vinyl records of his favourite albums and other interests of his include trying new coffee shops and exploring nature. His favourite part about McMaster is the diversity of the student body, not just demographically but in interests, passions and goals. Vithuyan strongly believes that diverse perspectives are necessary for success and growth, and he never fails to seize opportunities to learn from others.

Vithuyan hopes to continue building on last year’s successes on improving student engagement and enhancing student life at McMaster. As a previous part-time manager of the Student Walk Home Attendant Team, he is excited to support the next group of student leaders and help the MSU services reach new heights!

Abigail Samuels 

vped@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905-525-9140 ext. 24017

Abigail (Abby) was born in Kingston, Jamaica and immigrated to Canada with her family as a toddler. Growing up in Brampton, Ontario Abby attributes her love of community and cultural diversity to her adolescence. Entering her fourth year of Life Sciences with a double minor in Psychology and Social Policy, Social Problems and the Law, Abby’s first point of entry into the McMaster community was with the Black Aspiring Physicians of McMaster (BAP-MAC). Working her way up to the position of Vice-President, BAP-MAC was integral to strengthening the size and strength of the black pre-medical community as well as her personal development. Emerging from the pandemic, Abby joined a variety of MSU services and clubs, earning her the nickname of “Miss Marauder” from loved ones.

Abby is excited to continue the work of her predecessors as campus life returns to its former glory, as well as continuing an emphasis accessibility and equity such that McMaster students can enjoy their university experience to the fullest extent. She is a firm believer in intersectional and culturally relevant operating policies, where leadership practices and advocacy points consider systemic barriers and inequalities. Abby is eager to work with identity-based services to amplify their voices and experiences for the benefit of all students.

In her free time, Abby does professional photography & owns an Afrocentric beaded jewelry company. Through the influence of those closest to her, Abby has a growing interest in art and anthropology. She welcomes any suggestions of art exhibits or museums to visit. With her remaining free time, Abby works hard to defend Apple Music against Spotify users, and hopes to convince the world that milk should go into the bowl before the cereal is added.

Craig Dawdy

vpfinance@msu.mcmaster.ca
Phone: 905.525.9140 x24109

Craig is a finance graduate and has been greatly involved with the MSU since his first year. He has been a member of a variety of MSU committees and sat as the business representative on the Student Representative Assembly. Craig was also formerly the President of the DeGroote Commerce Society.

In his free time, Craig enjoys thrifting at the flea markets, hiking, travelling, reviewing movies, starting Twitter feuds and cooking. His favourite part about McMaster is life in Hamilton. Through his ventures beyond Westdale, he has discovered the amazing food, beautiful trails and interesting culture this city has to offer.

Craig is most excited about being involved in the MSU club’s system as he understands that clubs are one of the most treasured parts of life at Mac for many students. His goal is to maximize activity and engagement by clubs to ensure everyone at McMaster can find something for them!