Introducing the 2018-19 student union executive

NU News is pleased to introduce the 2018-19 Nipissing University Student Union Executive team.

Daniel Goulard, President

Entering his third year at Nipissing pursuing a degree in Political Science, Goulard hails from Sturgeon Falls and has enjoyed attending a university so close to home. Throughout his time at Nipissing, Goulard has been involved in a variety of offerings, including residence, NU Lakers Crew, Frosh Leader and a NUSU Director-at-Large. “I am honoured to be representing the students of Nipissing University for the incoming year as student union President and I am looking forward to building relationships both on campus and within the community to benefit students,” he said. “As President, I will ensure that we are working as a team, with the students’ interests at the forefront. We hope to continue advocating for students in both academic growth and social excellence.” 

Andrew Wood, VP Finance

An Honours BBA Finance and Marketing student, Wood is going into his fourth and final year. Originally from St. Thomas, he came to Nipissing University to pursue a degree and to participate as a member of the men’s lacrosse team. “My involvement with this team has helped shape me to be the person I strive to be and has given me a team environment I would like to transfer over to NUSU during my 2018/2019 term,” he said. This past year Wood and his classmates took the lead to create and host the first ever Lakers Break the Ice on Mental Health initiative. He also represented Nipissing University’s Business program in the Northern Ontario Business Case Competition. “In my role as VP Finance I look to create a transparent relationship with the students regarding the financials of NUSU and where their dollars are being allocated,” he said. “I would like to see NUSU and North Bay working in unison to incorporate Nipissing students into the community. I look forward to representing the student body.”

Tyrel Somerville, VP Governance and Legal Affairs

Originally from Pembroke, Somerville is currently working towards a degree in Physical Health and Education with a minor in Business. He brings several years of Frosh experience and NUSU volunteer work. This past year, Somerville served students as the NUSU VP Communications. As he transitions into a new role as VP Governance and Legal Affairs, he hopes to be able to advocate more for students both on campus and off campus. “I am also looking to expand upon our relationships with non-profit organizations and businesses to enhance the overall community and student relationships,” he said. Somerville has been involved off campus in a variety of initiatives, including volleyball community as a certified official.  He is travelling to Edmonton in May to referee the Canadian Volleyball National Championship. “I am excited for the upcoming year and I encourage students to contact us should they have any questions.” 

Xander Winter, VP Communications

Originally from Lindsay, Ontario, Winter is currently in his second year working towards a degree in Child and Family Studies with Concurrent Education and a Teachable in History. On campus, he has been heavily involved in residence both as a floor representative and as a general council member sitting on numerous committees. He has also worked as a supervisor for the Nipissing University Student Athletics Council, which involved organizing, coordinating and running all intramural sports on campus. Winter is also a member of Near North Voices, Nipissing’s University-community choir, and has coached basketball with Special Olympics North Bay. “As VP Communications, I hope to bring more visibility to our awareness campaigns as well as add to them. I want to improve communication between clubs on campus and help them advertise the great initiatives and events they run. I believe that working together with high schools on awareness campaigns will allow us to talk about larger issues and increase our visibility to the community and potential students I am positive this is going to be a great year,” he said. Winter has an open-door policy so if students have questions or concerns, they should feel free to come and talk to him. 

Nicolai MacKenzie, VP Services

A current third-year Environment and Physical Geography student, MacKenzie is from Belleville, Ontario. He has been active in the Geography Club as an executive member in each of his three years at Nipissing, and was the President of the club in 2017-18. He served as a residence council executive at the Townhouse Residence Complex (TRC) in his second year, and is currently finishing up his role as don for TRC this year. “I am excited organize Frosh Week, and to work with clubs and non-profit organizations, and to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada through our Shinerama campaign,” he said.  MacKenzie hopes to get student feedback and ideas through online polls and conversations to create a variety of diverse programs so that each demographic is represented. “I also want to spread awareness of all the wonderful services that students may not know about, both at NUSU and at Nipissing University. I encourage students to contact us and use us as a resource to help them both academically and socially.”