Q&A with the 2022-23 Executive Board
Emily Willerick
President
Major: Neuroscience & Human Biology
Hometown: Royal Oak, MI
Hobbies: Running, listening to country music, watching Gilmore Girls, and playing volleyball
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I first heard about Tower Guard during my senior year of high school on a tour of MSU. I became interested in it right away and actually stayed after the tour to talk about it more with the tour guide. I have loved the organization ever since.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I applied to Tower Guard because of its dedication to serving students in MSU RCPD. I have several friends who have worked with RCPD, and I have directly seen how the organization’s resources benefit students. To me, Tower Guard’s purpose means giving more students this opportunity to flourish on campus by making MSU more accessible to everyone.
What does your position on E-board do?
As President, I am responsible for leading E-Board, planning and executing all Tower Guard meetings, and being a main spokesperson for MSU Tower Guard.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am most excited to learn different resources offered here at MSU. I hope to see this Tower Guard class learn more about how to promote accessibility on and off campus.
Sakari Wilcox
Vice President
Major: Philosophy and Psychology
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Lansing, MI
Hobbies: I like to read, draw, write, do yoga, and listen to music in my free time
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I first heard about Tower Guard when I was invited to apply this January!
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
When I learned about Tower Guard's purpose and work, I knew immediately that I wanted to apply. I'm extremely passionate about Tower Guard's mission of inclusivity, accessibility, and service. It's essential that MSU is a place where everybody can thrive, and we all have a responsibility to ensure that every student is heard, recognized, and supported. Having the opportunity to be a part of Tower Guard is invaluable - I'm honored to working alongside this outstanding group of people.
What does your position on E-board do?
As Vice President, I coordinate the selection of next year's class and plan the May's Morning Sing ceremony. I'm also second-in-command after Emily, so I help out with general tasks and overseeing as well.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I can't wait to see what we all accomplish throughout this year! I'm excited to get to know this year's class and to meet and serve fellow students. I hope that we finish this year having both formed a sense of community with each other and having put substantial effort towards Tower Guard's mission of inclusivity.
Marija Sagan
Secretary
Major: James Madison College International Relations
Hometown: Traverse City, MI
Hobbies: I love to dance, sail, and play cards!
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about tower guard when I researched student organizations on campus.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I wanted to get more involved on MSU campus especially in service. Tower Guards purpose to me is serving the MSU community and promoting equal opportunity to education for all students through accessibility. Tower Guard helps create an inclusive campus for all through the work we do working with the RCPD.
What does your position on E-board do?
My position as secretary monitors the tower guard email, takes minutes at all meetings, plans the afternoon portion of May's Morning Sing, and leads Spartan Study impact group! Spartan Study is a peer-to-peer tutoring program between tower guard members and RCPD students!
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am most excited about Spartan Study and the impact this will have on helping students achieve their goals in the MSU community! I hope to see the tower guard class of 2022-2023 thrive in their service and for all of us to have fun while contributing on campus and holding exciting community events!
Morgan Willis
Treasurer
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
Hobbies: I like anything active, including hiking, volleyball, and bike rides around campus!
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I honestly did not know about Tower Guard until I received the letter to apply. After looking into the website, I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of. Our mission is so important, and it's definitely a goal of E-Board this year to make Tower Guard a more well-known organization on campus.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
After looking into Tower Guard and our mission, I knew I wanted to be part of this organization. One of my favorite pillars of Tower Guard is its commitment to service, a quality I try to make a personal priority. This, among leadership and scholarship are things that I believe we should all pursue as part of the MSU community, and am passionate about putting my efforts towards.
What does your position on E-board do?
As treasurer, I manage the finances and budget of Tower Guard. I collect donations and totals from fundraising events, and am in charge of all financial transactions. I manage our budget, and hold responsibility for publishing a budget to make sure Tower Guard is financially on track.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am most excited for the Shamrock 5K this year, as well as holding other fundraising events. I believe that these events will help create a connection among Tower Guard members, and help us provide all the support we can for the RCPD. I hope that the tower guard class of 2022-2023 builds a community and donates its time to those in need to empower those around us.
Sabrina Seldon
Public Relations / Webmaster
Major: Journalism
Minor: Broadcast Journalism
Hometown: Troy, MI
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about Tower Guard when I received an email with an invitation to apply. Once I researched it further, I knew I wanted to be a part of the organization's impact.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I applied to Tower Guard because I have always had a passion for volunteering and helping others. I am a student registered with the RCPD and have a lot of respect for the program. I knew I wanted to be apart of an organization that helps RCPD students feel supported and welcomed. Tower Guard's purpose means everything to me as I have seen firsthand how important accessibility is. Disabilities do not inhibit the achievement of ones goals and dreams. I am beyond grateful to be part of an organization that serves to build a more inclusive environment for all Spartans.
What does your position on E-board do?
As Public Relations Chair, my job is to monitor all of our social media accounts, such as our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I post flyers that inform members of events and opportunities. I also update the public on what Tower Guard has been up to. Additionally I oversee communications on our accounts and run this webpage! If you have any questions or requests feel free to contact me.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am excited to begin helping others and look forward to working with other Tower Guard members to make a change. I hope to get to know everyone as we all work toward one common goal. I hope this year's Tower Guard class makes a recognizable and memorable impact on campus!
Anna Maria Kitsios
Sergeant at Arms
Major: Human Biology
Minor: Bioethics
Hometown: Shelby Township, MI
Hobbies: I love to play piano, read, swim, and workout!
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about Tower Guard when they emailed me to apply to become a member for my upcoming year.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
What made me apply to Tower Guard was their purpose: Serving the RCPD at Michigan State University. Scribing, tutoring, and building an inclusive environment for all related to me personally, especially at home. I grew up with a brother who had Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Every day, I would help him with his speech therapy, feeding, changing, and more. Being there for my brother reminds me of Tower Guard because Tower Guard gives us students the opportunity to help others who may not be able to help themselves. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing organization.
What does your position on E-board do?
As this year's Sergeant-At-Arms, I am responsible for: ensuring that all members are informed of the meetings and collecting and maintaining attendance for meetings: including prior excuses for absences from the meetings. I will also collect volunteer/service hours and organize them into an Excel sheet to ensure everyone reaches the goal of 120 hours. If there are any questions about hours and how to record them, feel free to email me!
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
This year, I am most excited to make an impact on this community with all our members. I hope the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 will raise enough funds to buy more resources that helps build an inclusive environment for all. I know this is going to be a great year!
Agrim Gupta
Historian
Major: Astrophysics
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Hobbies: Soccer and Music (including playing drums, guitar and keyboard)
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about the Tower Guard through one of my HC Impact mentors who were the Vice President of Tower Guard in 2020.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I have been involved with service work since high school and I wanted to continue doing that when I started college. HC Impact allowed me to do that during my freshman year and Tower Guard gave me the opportunity to keep doing that through my sophomore year. Serving the RCPD and building an inclusive environment for Spartans overall would be a couple of things that I would strive to work towards.
What does your position on E-board do?
The Historian is meant to document Tower Guard activities with photographs and create a scrapbook using these. The Historian also organizes Tower Tours throughout the year and creates a video presentation for May's Morning Sing.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I'm most excited about getting to know everyone and working with them towards creating the best resources and environment for the RCPD. I'm also excited to capture everyone's service work, so that they can look back upon these memories in the future. I hope the Tower Guard Class of 2022-23 is able to give their best and devote as much time as possible, such that we can serve as an inspiration for future Tower Guard classes.
Avery Kammerzell
Fundraising Chair
Major: Nursing
Minor: Health Promotion
Hometown: Chesterfield, MI
Hobbies: Taking walks, crocheting, and baking
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I was invited to apply then I started to look into what Tower Guard was all about!
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I really love Tower Guards mission about making our beautiful campus more accessible! I did a lot of research on what Tower Guard does and the history of the club and I really wanted to be part of a group that makes a difference.
What does your position on E-board do?
I plan and run fundraisers for Tower Guard and RCPD.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am really excited to spread the word about Tower Guard! I hope that we can reach as many people as possible and make a difference on campus this year.
Megan Mills
Social Chair
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Business
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family, working out, and shopping
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about Tower Guard through an email I got last year inviting me to apply.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I applied to Tower Guard because I admired the commitment to service demonstrated through the members. Michigan State is a large school, and it is important to ensure that our resources are accessible by every student, in order to make their education experience worthwhile. The leadership, scholarship, and character of each member shines through and enhances the organization as a whole.
What does your position on E-board do?
The social chair is responsible for maintaining a list of members and members activities, hold a social event every month, and plan and co-ordinate an end of the year event. The social chair is also responsible for the Homecoming float and parade!
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am excited about planning social events that bring our members together, as well as meeting like minded individuals with similar interests and passions.
Mya Towne
Run Chair
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Albany, NY
Hobbies: Going out with friends, reading, video games, watching movies and traveling
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I heard about Tower Guard last year through the annual Shamrock 5k Run that we host!
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
After hearing about the 5k and receiving an email inviting me to apply, I researched more about what Tower Guard was and immediately felt passionate about being a part of the mission. Inclusivity and accessibility on our campus is extremely important to me because I believe in equal opportunities inside the classroom and out.
What does your position on E-board do?
The position of run chair is in charge of Tower Guards' biggest fundraising event: The Shamrock 5K. The Shamrock 5k is an event held to raise funds for the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD). Months of preparation go into planning this event, which is what I will be in charge of along with our other run chair this year, SunYoung!
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I'm beyond excited to see what Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieves because I have already seen the dedication and passion everyone has for tower guard's mission. One of my biggest goals for our class is to have the most hours out of any of MSU's past tower guard classes, which I hope to help achieve through lots of opportunities in helping to plan our 5k!
Sunyoung You
Run Chair
Major: Human Biology
Minor: Health Promotion
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Hobbies: Playing the piano and painting
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I got an invitation after the first semester of freshman year!
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I love how Tower Guard is serving and collaborating with RCPD, I believe everybody needs to have same opportunities, which what Tower Guard promotes accomplishing this goal. As a community, I believe we can make a great impact, make a difference through our achievements.
What does your position on E-board do?
I’m in charge of Shamrock 5K Run in March, which is the biggest fundraiser for RCPD that we have in Tower Guard.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I’m very excited to be directly involved for planning, forming a committee, and leading the Shamrock 5K run. I hope to see members being interactive and collaborative altogether throughout the year!
Jackson Den Houter
CSD Liaison
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Hometown: Ypsilanti, MI
Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy getting outdoors, being active, and following MSU sports
How did you hear about Tower Guard?
I was introduced to Tower Guard by my sister, who was the organization's treasurer during her time at MSU.
What made you apply to Tower Guard? What does Tower Guard's purpose mean to you?
I applied to Tower Guard because I value its commitment to supporting persons with disabilities. To me, Tower Guard means providing an equitable and inclusive environment for all MSU community members.
What does your position on E-board do?
As the CSD Liaison, I am responsible for establishing a productive relationship and communication network between the Council of Students with Disabilities (CSD) and Tower Guard. This includes working with CSD and Tower Guard to coordinate joint events as well as providing opportunities for students from both organizations to participate in individually hosted activities.
What are you most excited about for this year? What do you hope to see the Tower Guard class of 2022-2023 achieve?
I am most excited to meet new people from both Tower Guard and the RCPD. This year, I hope we can work together to make a lasting positive impact on the MSU community.