Aurora University Student Association

Senator Bios

Samantha Berns, Senior Senator

My name is Samantha Berns and I am a Senior Senator. I am majoring in Political Science, with a supplemental major in Pre Law, and a minor in Philosophy. I am the Student Director of the Activities Programming Board, and a Resident Assistant.

Joey Catrino, Senior Senator

I am Joey Catrino. I am double majoring in Marketing and Management Information Technology. I have played four years of varsity soccer at AU. I am also affiliated with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and the Student Marketing Association. I am originally from Valparaiso, Indiana and graduated from Valparaiso High School.

Janice-Marie Malcom, Senior Senator

My name is Janice-Marie Malcom and I am a Senior Senator of the Aurora University Student Association. I am currently majoring in Criminal Justice and have a minor in Sociology. I was born on April 15, 1986 in Honolulu, Hawai'i and am a proud graduate of Wai'anae High School. I love to spend time with my family and friend as well as to listen to music. My extracurricular activities include Gamma Phi Omega Int'l Sorority Inc., Greek Council, LASO, AUSA, Phi Eta Sigma and Circle K.

Jessica Shanyfelt, Senior Senator

I am a Senior Senator majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and American Culture and Ethnic Studies. Some of the greatest lessons learned are taught by life, not by a text book. “My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” -Maya Angelou

Jorge Cabados, Junior Senator

I am Jorge Cabadas and I am on my third year at Aurora University. I am studying to acquire my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics-Secondary Education. I have lived in Aurora almost all my life. I moved from Mexico to California around the age of 4. I was always involved in high school, as I am at the University. Some of the positions I have at Aurora University are: FEAU-Public Relations Chairperson, LASO- Appropriation Officer, and AUSA- Food Committee Chairperson. Some activities that I enjoy doing are hanging with my friends, playing soccer, Sudoku, and chess. The thing I love doing the most is traveling.

Nicole Capone , Junior Senator

My name is Nicole Capone. I am a junior senator on AUSA this year and this is my first year in the organization. My major is Fitness and Health Promotion and I am working on a minor in Business Administration. I am a junior this year planning to graduate on time in May, 2009. I am a pitcher on our softball team here at AU. We've had a winning record the past two years and I am hoping we can continue in our success going into the future. GO SPARTANS! I am also involved in Club Fit doing various community service activities off campus as well as on campus. My hometown is Brookfield, IL and I have lived there my entire life.

Maria Socorro Nicasio, Junior Senator

Hello, my name is Maria Socorro Nicasio and I am a Junior Senator pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. I was born on June 27, 1987 in Guanajuato, Mexico but I was raised on the east side of Aurora, Illinois. I graduated from East Aurora High School-“Go Tomcats!” I enjoy playing and watching baseball and softball, spending time with my family, attending my church, spending time with my friends, dancing, playing the tambourine, watching Law and Order SVU, volunteering, and learning how to better the environment. I come from a family of nine: my dad’s name is Jacinto, my mom’s name is Micaela, my oldest sister’s name is Maria Fabiola (21), then it is Juana (18), Adriana (17), Brenda (12), Aracely (4), and I only have one brother, Jacinto Jr. (15). Besides being a Junior Senatoor, I am currently the Secretary for the Latin American Student Organization (LASO), and a member of my church’s youth group and choir (I play the tambourine), and a CCD Teacher’s Aid.

Bethany Okrie, Junior Senator

My name is Bethany Okrie and I am a junior. I am from Lisle, IL and went to Lisle High School. I plan on obtaining a major in Accounting and a minor in International Relations. I am a Dunham Scholar, president of the Student Accounting Society and on the executive board of FLOW, Management Society. I am also on the varsity softball and tennis teams. I am a member of Delta Mu Delta and am very involved on campus.

Raul A. Buendia, Sophomore Senator

Greetings! My name is Raul A. Buendia. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in Aurora. I am currently a sophomore with a major in Math and Business. I am a Sophomore Senator of AUSA, a member of the Honors Program, and also the Latin American Student Organization (L.A.S.O). I enjoy many things in life such as, soccer, dodgeball, Italian food, theater, music, and movies.

Bryn Golden , Sophomore Senator

Hi! My name is Bryn Golden, and I am a sophomore at Aurora University. I grew up in Pekin, Illinois, and I am majoring in Social Work with a double minor in Music and Psychology. I work on campus in the financial aid department and as a tele-counselor in admissions. Some of the activities I am involved in on campus include Values Council, Pep Band, the Social Work Association, Circle K, the Organized Action Council, and of course, AUSA. I also play viola in the Fox Valley Philharmonic.

Jenny Jarvis, Sophomore Senator

My name is Jenny Jarvis. This is my first year as a senator for AUSA. I am a sophomore and my major is Athletic Training with minors in Biology and Physiology. I play goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team. I also participate in SATSO. I graduated from Naperville Central High School in 2006.

Rosalinda Nino , Sophomore Senator

Hi! My name is Rosalinda Nino. I’m a sophomore senator. My major is Social Work. My hometown is Aurora and I’m a graduate from the class of 2006 from East Aurora High School. I’m a member of Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority Inc., Latin American Student Organization, and Greek Council. I am also a Resident Assistant in Watkins. I enjoy watching movies, dancing and spending time with my family and friends.

David Carrillo, Freshman Senator

My name is David Carrillo. I am your elected Freshman Senator. My major is Recreation Administration and my minor is Psychology. I was born and live on the east side of Aurora. I went to East Aurora HS. Besides working for the Fox Valley Park District, I am a volunteer youth soccer coach all year round. I like to play all sports but soccer is my favorite. I am the first born of 3 brothers and 1 sister. I am event chair for the Community Connection Club, a member of the Activities Programming Board, and LASO.

Lisa Catterton , Freshman Senator

My name is Lisa Catterton. I am a Freshman Senator at Aurora University. I am a Criminal Justice major, Psychology minor, and also play softball for the University. I graduated from United Township High School in 2007. My hometown is Silvis, IL, which is located near the Quad cities. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and going bowling or watching movies.

John Hatler, Freshman Senator

Hi, I’m John Hatler. I was born on January 28, 1988. I am a Freshman Senator, from Kansas City, MO where I graduated from Liberty High School. My interests are railroading, U.S. History, politics, and Boy Scouts. I have a great family Back in MO, where my parents (Chuck and Tessa), and my younger, favorite, and only brother (James) lives. In addition to being an AUSA Senator, I am the committee chair for a Green Campus, as well as being in the Aurora Political Science Club.

Lauren Lawson , Freshman Senator

Hello! My name is Lauren Lawson and I am Freshman Senator. I am a Pre-Med and Spanish major. I was born on March 17th, 1989 to Jeffrey and Jacqueline Lawson and have one sibling, Alyssa. I am a recent graduate from Oswego High School in Oswego, IL. My interests include traveling, cooking, friends, movies, music, natural phenomena, and driving. As for extracurricular activities, I am involved in AUSA, LASO, and Track and Field throwing events.