Name: Andrew Sonta
Year: Junior
Major: Civil Engineering; Minor: Environmental Engineering and Economics
Hometown: Chicago
Birthday: Aug. 11, 1993
How did you become involved with DM?
When I was a freshman it was something I heard about that people said you need to do at Northwestern. I signed up and raised the money, but I wasn’t really thinking about what it really meant. When I went through it freshman year, I realized how DM is a student group and event that really makes a lasting impact for the beneficiary; it sustains what the beneficiary is trying to do. After freshman year, I realized I wanted to become more involved, which I did sophomore year and this year too.
What do you do in your position?
I’m a stage manager, which means I make sure that everything runs smoothly. I make sure people are on and off stage, the MCs have what they need and the DJ knows what he needs to do.
What is your favorite part about your position?
It’s hectic and it’s challenging but I know that what I’m doing is important in making sure the event goes well. It’s really rewarding for me.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m excited to have the dancers actually see what we have been able to put together this year, and I think it’ll just be an exciting weekend. More than anything, I’m looking forward to just being there and helping out.
Can you tell me a little bit about the foundation?
Team Joseph was founded by the mother of a young boy named Joseph. When she found out that he had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, she created this foundation which was not only just about her son; she is trying to make sure that children who are born after Joseph don’t go through the same struggles as her son. She wants to raise awareness and money for research to help find a cure for muscular dystrophy. They’re very excited about the progress that has been made. I think that’s why dancers should be excited about being involved. When someone representing Team Joseph came to speak to us, she said that the people and organization have a ripple effect. The idea is that if we can raise enough money and make this a big event, the ripple can stretch wider and reach more people, raising money and awareness for the cause. By making it as big as possible, we can help push the beneficiary forward and help it do what it wants to do.
Has helping with DM been time consuming?
The week beforehand is always really hectic when the tent goes up. Over the year we have meetings, plan out what’s going to happen and shoot videos. It is a time commitment, especially this week, which has been really exciting and really busy.
Are you involved with anything else on campus?
I’m involved with Alternative Student Breaks, ASB; I’ve led one trip and I’ll be leading another trip for the freshmen. I’ve also been involved with Engineers for a Sustainable World, because I’m really interested in sustainability, especially urban sustainability, the intersection between urban infrastructure and sustainability. This goes along with my civil engineering minor.
What else are you interested in?
I’m really interested in music; I try to go to as many concerts as I can. I also play golf pretty regularly when it’s warm out. Golf is something I’ve always loved to do and I’m a golf instructor for my old golf coach.
Is there anything else you would like to share about DM?
If you’re dancing for DM or involved with it, get excited because this weekend is going to be great!