The 2024 Student Leader Elections for the positions of Student Trustee and Officers of the Student Leadership Council were held on Wednesday & Thursday, March 13 and 14.
Elected Candidates
Angel Lim – Officer
As an active student at the College of DuPage, I hold multiple roles: serving as a student representative for the Student Leadership Council (SLC), playing for the women's Lacrosse team, and working as a Social Media Assistant with the Student Financial Aid Office. In my involvement with the SLC, I've managed content for its Instagram, participated in various tabling events, and served as a Planning Manager for the Oxford Hunger Banquet hosted at COD. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how to effectively market the SLC and connect with students. With these qualifications, I can assist in any situation with grace and professionalism.
I strongly believe in the importance of constructive criticism and valuing student input, whether it's related to marketing or addressing concerns. Regardless of the duration of a student's presence, every voice matters. This is why I appreciate the College of DuPage; its diverse student population helps shape the institution, earning it prestige.
My candidacy is driven by a profound belief in the student voice, the power of curiosity, and the potential for change. Together as a community, we can continually enhance COD's prestige and maximize resources for the betterment of our community and student population.
Aahil Syed – Officer
My name is Aahil Syed, and I currently reside with my uncle and aunt in Naperville, Illinois, to be closer to College of DuPage, where I plan to major in Computer Science. I hope to transfer to Urbana-Champaign. Ever since being at the Student Leadership Council (SLC), I have felt a sense of belonging as I have met great people and practiced my leadership skills to better myself and my community. This is why I am running for the position of SLC officer; I want to further my impact on the College of DuPage (COD). I believe that as an officer, I can learn a lot about the student body and help voice their concerns in a direction where they will be heard, ensuring that actions are taken to improve the student experience at COD. During my time at COD, I have been fortunate enough to serve a term as a student representative and be a project manager within the Computer Science club. There, I co-led efforts to create a hackathon for all CIS and CIT majors, providing them with a great opportunity to polish their coding skills and build their resumes. I believe what qualifies me most for the position of officer is my ability to communicate with almost any student or faculty member on campus. In my short time here, I have made a vast network of connections through which I can hear many of the student body's trials and tribulations. Other qualities that I believe make me fit for this position include my ability to think critically, which helps me to think and act quickly on my feet, and my willingness to speak out about issues, even when they may contradict popular opinion. During my time at COD, I have come to be very appreciative of the community here, as I find it to be very welcoming and accepting, as well as the numerous opportunities available to students to further their success in their careers.
Luv Vithani – Officer
My name is Luv Vithani, a proud immigrant from India and a Business Finance major at the College of DuPage. I am running for a Student Leadership Council (SLC) officer position with a clear goal: to enact tangible, material changes that directly benefit our student body. My commitment to service, particularly to those in need, has been the cornerstone of my involvement here at COD.
As the Vice President of the college project aimed at establishing a Peer Support Group, I have dedicated myself to addressing one of the most pressing issues within our campus: mental health. This initiative reflects my broader vision for a campus where every student feels supported, both academically and personally.
In addition to mental health, I am passionate about enhancing student representation and engagement. As an officer for the Chaparral Activities Board (CAB), we have organized events that not only entertain but also foster a sense of belonging and community among students.
My involvement in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, where I assist with free tax return preparation, embodies my belief in "Paying it Forward." This experience, along with my background and values instilled by my Indian heritage—hard work, humility, adaptability, and optimal resource utilization—equips me with a unique perspective and skill set for the SLC officer role.
I am driven by the philosophy that we do not fail; we learn and rise stronger from every experience. This belief is best captured in the words, "I rise from my fall because I learn from my failure." It is this mindset that I will bring to the role of SLC officer, where I pledge to be approachable, diligent, and innovative in promoting a campus culture that values mental health, ensures robust student engagement, and upholds the spirit of community service.
Shahid Khatib – Officer
Hi, my name is Shahid Khatib. I’m currently in my fourth semester at COD, pursuing software engineering through Lewis University’s 3+1 program. I currently reside in Carol Stream.
I’m excited to be running for this position to continue my role as a dedicated student advocate, both within campus and beyond. My journey at COD began in the fall of 2022, where I had no clue on how to get involved on campus, but with some initiative and a leap of faith, I soon immersed myself in club activities, forged meaningful friendships, and stumbled upon the Student Leadership Council, which really ignited my passion for advocacy.
Throughout my time here, I have actively engaged in numerous clubs, organizations, and events, each contributing to the foundation of my leadership philosophy. I work on campus as a COD Votes coordinator, and doing so has given me the opportunity to foster civic learning within our campus community, while also representing the voices of community college students before state legislators. I've also had the privilege of being mentored by incumbent council members, learning firsthand how to effectively lead yourself alongside those around you. From pursuing leadership opportunities in New Student Orientation to volunteering in our local community, I have remained consistently engaged in advocacy, while being actively involved in clubs like the Computer Science Club and DuPage Esports.
However, I believe I’m qualified not only because I have prior experience with making change, but because of something much more important: an unwavering passion. It’s this fervor that propels me to help every student I come across on campus, whether it’s making sure they are heard or actively working to better the environment they learn in. As your representative, it’s my duty to ensure you receive nothing less, and I’m eager to embark on this journey alongside you. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
Anam Sultana – Officer & Trustee
I'm excited to stand before you as a candidate for the Student Trustee and SLC officer position. I would like to start by sharing a quote from Joanne Ciulla, an American philosopher, “Leadership is not a person or a position. It is a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of the good.” This quote defines my philosophy of leadership as I aim to create an inclusive environment where every student feels supported and empowered to excel. Running for this position is both an honor and a significant responsibility. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact on our college community and to help fellow students realize their full potential. As someone who values creativity, dedication, and hard work, I can contribute significantly to this role and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
At COD, I have been actively involved in various clubs and organizations such as the Student Leadership Council, UNICEF, and the Living Leadership program. In fact, I was recently elected president of the UNICEF club. These experiences have allowed me to enrich my leadership skills and grow into a confident and capable leader.
I appreciate COD’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. I value the sense of community and belonging I feel here and the opportunities it provides for personal and academic growth. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the continued improvement of our college and ensuring that all students have a voice in shaping their educational experience.
To conclude, I promise to work tirelessly to represent the interests of our student body, to promote positive change, and to uphold the values of our college. Together, we can embrace growth and create a brighter future for all students at COD. Thank you.
Carson Fenne - Officer
I am running for this position because I deeply care about COD and the success of students. As a student officer I will work hard to facilitate meaningful change between students and administration. I have been involved in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy club, the Improv club, and the Percussion Ensemble at COD. The students in these groups are like me; welcoming, passionate, and creative. I have learned more about myself and others through my involvement in these organizations. I hope to make the Student Leadership Council as fun, welcoming, and creative as those groups. In Improv club, I learned how to quickly adapt and collaborate with what other people said. Because we always said yes to each other’s ideas in scene, it helped me develop skills to have more understanding towards different ideas and how to compromise with other people. In percussion ensemble, I am challenged to be out of my comfort zone by learning how to play the marimba. I am qualified for the job because I care about others and listen to their ideas and opinions. While I may not be an incumbent, I will bring new voices and ideas to the Student Leadership Council. I appreciate the diversity that is present at COD and openness to different ideas from all the students of COD. I also greatly enjoy the passion that teachers and faculty have for the success of students.
Contact Information
Office of Student Life
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 1200
(630) 942-2243