Tanairi Ochoa
Classification: Senior
Major: Political Science and International Relations
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Career Goals:
Upon graduating from St. Mary's with my Bachelor of Arts I plan to purse a Masters in Public Policy and attend Law school. Furthermore, I want to be an active political figure and do my best to make a positive change within our society.

Why did you join UPC?
One of the first people that I met my freshman year was a UPC former executive board member. She was filled with enthusiasm and friendliness. I was quickly motivated to join UPC and be part of an organization whose primary goal is to serve the students. Our vision involves creating innovative programs and events to further create an extraordinary collegiate experience outside of the classroom. I joined UPC because I saw an opportunity to contribute back to my school and serve the students.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
I have been a part of UPC for three years and I have served on the board for two years without counting this academic year, therefore, I have had many amazing, life-changing, and fun moments within UPC! However, I must confess that my most memorable UPC moment was our first Bingo with the Marianists event. It was then that I was reaffirmed the positive change and difference UPC makes in our St. Mary's community. The Brothers and Sisters had an incredible time playing bingo, winning cool prizes, and most importantly meeting and interacting with students. I will always remember Brother Jim telling me that he was glad he had found a new friend! Nevertheless, every single UPC event is memorable because we always strive to serve the St. Mary's community to the best of our abilities and allow us to come closer together as one big family.

Most Memorable St. Mary's University Moment?
St. Mary s has truly been a blessing to me. I am eternally grateful to have been able to be granted such a wonderful opportunity to attend a University who values family, education and the formation of faith. Most importantly I have witnessed a genuine care from the University for each of the students. My growth, accomplishments, and leadership skills are greatly in part due to the educational and professional experience I have gain while attending St. Mary's. I have made friends, mentors, and mentee s that will last for a life-time. Every single moment and experience here has made a significant positive impact in life.

Hobbies:
I enjoy giving back to my community every time that I can whether it is one person at a time or volunteering in non-profit organization that are making a difference in our communities. I also love to listen to music and spend some quality time with my friends!

Kelsey Houtkooper
Classification:Sophmore
Major: Political Science
Hometown: El Paso, TX

Career Goals:
My career goal is to work for the State Department. I am a politically active individual, and I would love to be in the middle of political affairs. I would want to be an American Ambassador to foriegn countries.

Why did you join UPC?
To get more involved on campus through a creative and active way. I loved the way they help students to engage in their campus and become more apart of the community.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
In The Fall of 2012 we had the Chinese Festival. We brought the international Chinese students together with other St. Mary's students, through a student panel and a festival where the Chinese students could show others their culture. It was amazing to learn about the culture and to see the students interacting.

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
My most memorable moment on the St. Mary's campus was when I became apart of the Delta Zeta Sisterhood. It was wonderful to find a home with such a diverse group of women.

Yesenia Castaneda
Classification: Sophmore
Major:Psychology and a Minor in Criminology
Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Career Goals:
Get my Bachelors in Psychology than continue by getting my Masters in Clinical Mental Counseling. Then hopefully work with teenagers in the Juvenile Detention Centers to help teens who have problems with drug abuse and alcohol abuse.

Why did you join UPC?
I joined UPC because I love being part of a big family and because it's amazing how many different events we bring to the students in the University. It's not just about having fun but opening their eyes to the diversity in the world.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
Battle of the Bands and seeing how it all came together. Then how at the end we all stayed to watch the last band perform and we were singing to almost all the songs.

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
Zaragoza because I met a lot of new people and there was plenty of fun activities to do to get us all involved.

Hobbies:
I love to write, read books with a mystery or love outline, Playing soccer, Being outdoors in general, But most importantly I love spending time with my family especially my beautiful niece :)

Laura Moreno
Classification: Sophmore
Major: International Business with a minor in Portuguese
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Career Goals:
After St. Mary's I plan to pursue my Masters in Business Administration or Economics. Then, perhaps obtain a Juris doctorate in business law. Although I am unsure about what exact career path I will pursue, I do know that I want to serve my community and always be actively involved no matter which career I choose.

Why did you join UPC?
The University Programming Council warmly welcomed me and provided me with the opportunity to learn more about St. Mary's and our student body. From the very beginning of my freshmen year, UPC motivated me to engage with other students and faculty and participate in events all around campus. Every UPC member is eager to serve and contribute back to our St. Mary's community. I decided to join because I wanted to be a member of the UPC family and to help work towards one common goal: to create an educational, social and cultural environment for our inclusive community that is established here on campus.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
The Longoria Affair Documentary was my most memorable UPC moment. It was exciting to see so many students come together and take the time to learn about this affair. I mostly enjoyed the conversation I had with the film director; John Valadez who is a very inspiring individual because is passionate about educating others and bringing awareness to people. Without UPC, I would not have had the opportunity to interact with him and learn more about my heritage. I am truly grateful.

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
I am grateful for every moment and lasting friendship I have created here on campus. Every moment is a memorable one here at St. Mary's. However, Oyster Bake was an unforgettable experience and I cannot wait for it to start again.

Hobbies:
I enjoy being involved and learning about different people in our communities. I like to travel and be outdoors. More importantly, I love spending time with friends and family.

Miguel Garcia
Classification:Sophomore
Major: Biology (Pre-Med) with a Minor in Chemistry
Hometown: McAllen, TX

Career Goals:
My career goals are to finish off my undergraduate education here at St. Mary's and graduate with a BS in Biology. Afterwards apply and hopefully get accepted into medical school and go the Orthopedic route. Once I have finished my four years of Med school, I would then go on to do my 2 year Residency and start my career as an Orthopedic Doctor.

Why did you join UPC?
I found out about UPC through my ND0101 course when our former president Wendy Martinez walked in randomly and talked about a General Meeting and an event that was going on during the week. Also through ND0101, I had an assignment which was to find out more information about 3 organizations on campus and since the UPC office was right around the corner from my ND class, I walked in and interviewed Megan (our current VP of Finance and Records). I also learned more about UPC while I was the Work-Study at the office, I would help the executive members with their individual duties and as the Fall semester was ending I decided to apply to be the VP of Marketing.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
My most memorable UPC moment was in Aloha Fest of Fall 2011 when I was a Work-Study at the UPC office. At the event, there was an organization that was charging $1 for shaving cream pies, towards the end of the event I asked Bri (current PA for UPC) if she could reserve a pie for me for the end. My plan the entire time I was there was to pie someone towards the end of the event. The best person I thought should get pied was Jerome, so while we were getting ready to clean up, Wendy Martinez (former UPC President) screamed in Jerome's face to get his attention while I came from behind and pied him in the face. The best part was that for a little while he had no clue who had done it since the shaving cream covered his entire face.

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
My most memorable moment thus far while I've been at St. Mary's is Greek Recruitment Week and when I was offered a bid and given the opportunity to go through the Associate Members process with Lambda Chi Alpha. To this day that has been the most fun, and most exciting moment at St. Mary's.

Megan Torres
Classification: Senior
Major: General Business and a Minor in Anthropology
Hometown: Harper, TX

Career Goals:
After I get my Bachelor's degree in Business, I would like to get a Master's degree.

Why did you join UPC?
Not only were the events put on by UPC interesting, but the people were so fun and kind. I originally started attending meetings and events to get involved, but it's the people in UPC that make it so worthwhile and the reason I have stayed with it.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
My most memorable UPC moment was definitely throwing snow at each other and making a snow man when we had our "Welcome Back" event in the Spring. Throwing snow at your friends in college in an area that rarely sees snow was really cool!

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
I absolutely LOVED going to the rodeo on the charter bus! It was just a good time with people I really like, and I hope it happens again!

Jerome G. Budomo
Classification: Assistant Director, Student Activities and Transition Programs/Advisor to UPC

Major:
Bachelor of Arts Liberal Studies, emphasis in Math and Science (May 2005, San Diego State University)

Masters of Arts Post-Secondary Educational Leadership, emphasis in Student Affairs (May 2009, San Diego State University) Hometown: San Diego, CA

Career Goals:
I look forward to continuing my educational aspiration by persuing a terminal degree and enrolling in a Ph.D in Education program in the near future. Though, I love being an Assistant Director to Student Activities and Transition Programs here at St. Mary's University, it will be a bittersweet day when I leave a "home" that I've called for the past 3 years to pursue my Ph.D. Upon completion of my doctorates program, I want to continue being a practitioner in the Student Affairs profession by becoming an eventual Director in the area of Student Activities, then Dean on Student, to eventually work my way into the Senior Student Affairs professional rankings of Assistant Vice President and Vice President for Students Affairs.

Why did you join UPC?
As Assistant Director, I serve as the University Programming Council's Advisor. During my tenure here, I've seen the council dramatically change into the strong programming board it has become and have loved every miunte working with every single officer and production assistant.

Most Memorable UPC Moment?
My most memorable UPC moment was my first day of work and seeing the potential of the eager student leaders I was going to be working with. That feeling still continues each and everyday I come into the office.

Most Memorable St. Mary's Moment?
My most memorable St. Mary's Moment was when I came onto campus for my interview and throughout the day felt the warm welcome and "family spirit" from everyone I interacted with. In addition, the following week when I was offered the position from the then Director and pleasantly surprisingly from our Dean of Students asking me to become part of the team.

Hobbies:
As a typical Southern California guy, I absolutely LOVE to go to the beach during the summers and snowboarding during the winters. As most of my colleagues and students know, I'm a HUGE Disney geek so when I get the chance, when I visit home, I always have to make a trip out to the Disneyland Resort. I'm a big sports fan so I usually watch sports and represent my teams of the SDSU Aztecs, Padres, Chargers, and Lakers! I also like to work out, watch TV and be a couch potato, cook, and spend time with friends and family.