What is your name?
Samantha Westrum (but most people call me Sam!)
Where are you from?
Minneapolis, MN
What year are you?
Current third-year student (junior), Class of 2017
What is your major?
Double major in Public Policy and French, with a minor in Leadership from the school of commerce.
What are you involved in around grounds?
Class Council is my primary involvement, but on the side over the years I have served as the recruitment chair for my sorority, a student safety advocate on Hoos Ready, and a classroom volunteer with Madison House
What is your favorite UVA tradition?
On the record: Rotunda Sing! Off the record: Streaking–if I can run a half mile completely naked, I feel like I can do anything.
What is your favorite thing about UVA?
Being in Charlottesville. The city is really grounded in things that remind me of home: the buying local/green movement, good music, and good FOOD. I love the cozy southern charm in C’ville, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.
If you could only pick one Charlottesville restaurant to eat at for the rest of you life, what would it be?
The Flat for sure. With their sweet and savory crêpes, you’d be set for each meal of the day! That or Pigeon Hole. I could eat breakfast each meal for the rest of my life and be a perfectly happy woman.
Why are you running for Class of 2017 Trustees President?
I believe in the influence Class Council has to change people’s lives. I’ve seen our work in mental health and safety touch the way people live and work at U.Va.; I am so proud to be a part of a group of people that want not only to continue pursuing those initiatives that have already worked, but also find new ways we can create positive change within the Class of 2017. Since Trustees is a six year commitment, I am excited at the possibility of being able to prolong those life-changing experiences not just for one year, but until 2023 (wow we are so old, what?!). I feel that our previous leadership hasn’t shown up and supported council members as best they could, and it’s about time someone who puts our class as their first priority stepped up to the plate!