Amber Kornreich ’12: Presidential Candidate

Class: 2012

Major: Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies
Minor: Near Eastern And Judaic Studies

What are your current involvements on campus?

Currently, I am President of the Brandeis Democrats and I am a coordinator and founder of the Waltham Group program “Brandeis Buddies” which pairs students with the developmentally disabled adults who work in the dining and residence halls. I have also been an Orientation Leader, Chief Features Editor of the Law Journal, and I love to attend on-campus events.

What made you want to run for this position?

I believe I can offer new blood and energy to the Student Union. I am a passionate activist for social change in and outside of Brandeis, and I vow to work towards a Student Union that fights for more comfortable conditions for students through extended dining hours and exploration of new study spaces, as well as a Union that works with students to connect to the outside world. We do not live in a bubble here at Brandeis- students are interested in working towards the betterment of all people. With my past organizational experience as President of the Deis Dems and starting up from the ground a community service initiative at Brandeis, I know I have the skills and drive to help students feel closer to the Union.

The Student Union has the potential to support students in an extremely meaningful way. The Union needs to advocate for changes on campus that reflect what students WANT and NEED. I have personally felt quite distant from the Union as a club leader, I can change that. Because I am a Union outsider, I think outside of the box. Student Union can be what STUDENTS want it to be. Many students wonder what the Student Union really does- I intend to change that by making the Student Union as accessible as possible through my high energy and devotion to change at Brandeis and beyond.

What is your vision as Student Union President?
My vision is for a Student Union that dreams big and does not see any limits to what students can do! I imagine the Union asking students what they think face to face, and being unafraid to challenge the administration on tough issues.

What is one common misconception students have about electing a new President?
I think many students see the role of President as a talking head. The President is not a mere representative but an advocate for students. 

What is one thing that you hope the student body will consider in voting for you?
I hope students will consider that I am a fresh start for the Union. With the new administration and the momentum the current government has started with the reopening of the pool and the v-store, this is the time to push forward. I am unafraid to ask difficult questions.

How do you envision yourself working with another new President, Frederick Lawrence?
I envision President Lawrence and I getting along swimmingly. He is, like the student body, deeply interested in social justice. I see him being a huge supporter of what students desire, and I would love the opportunity to work with him.