2020-21 Executive Board
Ellie Friedman
President
Major: Social Relations & Policy, Secondary Education
Minor: English
My name is Ellie Friedman (she/her/hers) and I’m a second-year student from West Bloomfield, MI. I am studying Social Relations & Policy and Secondary Education with a teaching minor in English (James Madison College, College of Education, and Honors College). Outside of classes, I work as a Professorial Assistant in a literacy research lab, serve as the Secretary of James Madison Student Senate, and participate in several other student organizations! I also love watching reality TV, hiking, volunteering, reading, and going on aimless walks around our beautiful campus. In the future, I hope to teach high school and eventually earn a doctorate degree in curriculum design or critical education studies.
Tower Guard works at the intersections of so many of my interests and passions (educational equity, disability justice, and community action), and I feel so honored to be leading our incredible cohort this year. We don't know exactly what this transitional year will bring, but I am certain that this group will maintain its commitment to this organization's tradition and mission (while introducing our own ideas and programming). I can't wait to see all that we accomplish together! GO GREEN!
Anna Lehr
Vice President
Major: Psychology and Criminal Justice
Minor: Law, Justice, and Public Policy
My name is Anna Lehr and I am the Tower Guard Vice President. I am studying Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy in the college of Social Science. I am originally from Dexter, Michigan which is right outside Ann Arbor, Michigan. I am so excited to be on the E-Board for our 2021-2022 Tower Guard Class. This year I am excited for helping out my peers and running an inclusive, successful Tower Guard class.
Kirthika Krishnan
Secretary
Major: Human Biology
Minor: French & Science, Technology, Environment, and Public Policy
Hi! My name is Kirthi Krishnan and I'm this year's Tower Guard Secretary! I'm from Sterling Heights, Michigan and I'm majoring in Human Bio with the eventual goal of going to medical school. I hope to become involved in public policy initiatives alongside my career as a physician to better advocate for patients both within and outside of the hospital setting. In my free time, I love to sing, go out with friends, listen to/discover new music, or scope out new spots on campus or in the city.
I am really passionate about Tower Guard because of the opportunities I'll have to foster meaningful connections with fellow students, both those we serve and the other members of Tower Guard. I am excited to be surrounded by people with the same passion and dedication towards service, but who also have a diversity of experiences and interests. The most important thing I've taken from experiences over the years is that there is always room to grow, no matter how open-minded you think you are, and the best thing you can do is to embrace it and learn. I am looking forward to the constant growth and learning experiences this year will bring for all of us! Go Green!
Parker Stager
Treasurer
Major: Human Biology and Psychology
Minor: Bioethics minor and Health and Environment
Hi, my name Parker Stager and I am from Shelby twp., Michigan. I am a part of the Honors College, College of Social Science, and Lyman Briggs College. I am pursuing a pre-med degree with a Human Biology Major and Bioethics minor at Lyman Briggs college and a Psychology major with a minor in Health and Environment at the College of Social Sciences. I am most looking forward to working with the amazing individuals in this program to hopefully make a meaningful impact on those around us.
Akshitha Karthikeyan
Public Relations / Webmaster
Major: Genomics and Molecular Genetic
Hi, everyone! I'm Akshitha Karthikeyan. This year, I am part of both the Honors College and the Lyman Briggs College as a Genomics Major hoping to go into med school. This year, I'll also be your PR chair for the Tower Guard Class of 2021-2022. I am so excited to be part of such an important organization. I look forward to working with you and the RCPD and hope to have a wonderful and productive year.
I am so honored to help serve this community. GO GREEN!
Taylor Nitz
Sergeant at Arms
Major: Nursing
Hey! I am Taylor Nitz and I am from a super small beach town in Southwest Michigan called Bridgman. I am a sophomore in the College of Nursing, majoring in Nursing! With my degree I plan to move on to get my Master’s Degree to become a nurse practitioner. In my free time I love collecting plants, casual paddle boarding on Lake Michigan, and thrifting. I am so excited to make a family with all of the other Tower Guard members, but most importantly, work to make the campus of MSU more accessible and inclusive to all students.
Maren Case
Historian
Major: Packaging
Minor: Arts And Humanities
Jared Lin
Fundraising Chair
Major: Bio-molecular and Biochemical Technology
My name is Jared Lin, I come from Plymouth Michigan, I’m a second year majoring in bio molecular and biochemical technology at the honors college at msu. The thing I’m looking forward to most this year is meeting wonderful new people, both from tower guard and the RCPD, and building meaningful connections that’ll last.
Renee Harrigan
Social Chair
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hey! My name is Renee Harrigan, from South Lyon, Michigan. I am a sophomore here at MSU studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the College of Natural Science. I have goals of attending Dental school and pursuing a career in Orthodontics! I am so excited to be apart of Tower Guard this year and serve as the social chair! I am looking forward to building friendships and helping to build a more diverse and equitable community with those who share the same passion. Outside of Tower Guard and school you can find me at the barn where I care for and ride my beloved pony, Tuffy! With this year being back on campus I look forward to MSU football and basketball games, finding a good spot on campus to read, or listening to Taylor Swift! I can’t wait to start leaving our mark on campus! Go Green!!
“No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind.” - Taylor Swift
Annie Henesler
Run Chair
Major: Elementary Education
Minor: TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages)
Hey y'all! My name is Annie Henseler and I am from Ypsilanti, Michigan right outside of Ann Arbor and I'm absolutely jazzed to be serving as one of your run chairs this year! I am majoring in Elementary Education with a "teaching major" of Language Arts and additionally I am pursuing a minor in TESOL which stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages. As someone who is extremely passionate about re-thinking education to assure its equity and accessibility, the work this club has done and will continue to do holds a place very close to my heart. Outside of Tower Guard shenanigans you'll find me getting lost in the botanical gardens, working with the honors college service club, at the football games, or visiting my dog Billy :). I'm so excited to be a part of this phenomenal group, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things we accomplish this year!
Sam Tarling
Run Chair
Major:Finance
Minor: International Business and European Studies
Hi! My name is Sam Tarling and I am one of the Run Chairs for this year’s Tower Guard class. I am from Rochester, MI and am majoring in Finance and double-minoring in International Business and European Studies at MSU. I am really excited for the Shamrock 5k, but can also not wait to meet everyone this year’s Tower Guard!
Madison Paulus
CSD Liaison
Major: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minor: Bioethics
I’m a sophomore from Lake Orion, Michigan I’m in Lyman Briggs college, Honors College, and the College of Social Sciences. I’m Majoring in neuroscience with an additional major in psychology and a minor in bioethics. I’m super excited to meet new people and grow closer in our community as we all work towards equity and inclusion.