President and VP Candidates
Bios
Damian Hacke (President)
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hi there! My name is Damian Hacke, and I am a 3rd-year Robotics and Manufacturing Engineering Technology student. Originally from the snowy city of Erie, Pennsylvania, I have found a home here at RIT. I currently serve as the College of Engineering Technology (CET) Senator and Chair of the CET Student Advisory Board, where I work to advocate for student needs and improve communication between students and faculty. Through these roles, I’ve gained experience in leadership, problem-solving, and making sure student voices are heard. Outside of my academic and leadership roles, you can often find me at the Red Barn climbing, playing intramural hockey, or gaming. I also have a deep passion for racing; pushing limits, adapting to challenges, and always striving for improvement. That mindset drives me in everything I do; whether it’s in engineering, athletics, or leadership.
Joshua Anderson (VP)
pronouns: He/Him/His
Hey everyone! My name is Joshua Anderson, and I am a 3rd Year Mechanical Engineering BS/ME student. Currently I am the Student Government, Student Affairs Committee Chair and the Student Government Representative for the Faculty Senate. I have also been involved with New Student Orientation, Sigma Chi, and Intramural Hockey. In Sigma Chi, I also organized the Annual Car Smash that raised $1,000 annually for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and allows students the opportunity to get out some first day frustrations. I also conduct research on campus underneath Dr. Amy Englebrecht-Wiggans in the Fiber Composite Reliability Lab. Frequently, you can find me on campus at the Red Barn as I have a deep passion for rock climbing and love meeting new people. If you see me on campus, feel free to top by and say hello!
Platform
We are running for Student Government President and Vice President because we believe in strengthening student advocacy, fostering collaboration, and enhancing RIT’s integration with both faculty and the greater Rochester community. Our platform is built on a F.A.C.T.—Faculty, Advocacy, Clubs, and Transparency.
F.A.C.T. – The Foundation of Our Vision
Faculty: Strengthening Student-Faculty Relations
Too often, students only hear from faculty when something is going wrong. We want to improve transparency and communication, ensuring students are informed, not just about challenges, but also about faculty successes, ongoing projects, and positive developments. We wish to foster faculty-student connections that involves consistent open dialogue and feedback on how to improve student life and learning on campus.
Advocacy: Ensuring Student Voices Are Heard
We believe in true student representation. Whether it’s club funding, campus policies, or academic concerns, student voices must be prioritized in key decision-making processes. We will push for stronger student advocacy in university policies and ensure that your concerns are addressed at every level of administration.
Clubs: Strengthening the Backbone of Student Life
Clubs are at the heart of campus culture, yet many struggle to be heard. We aim to advocate for all clubs, especially new and underfunded ones, ensuring they have fair access to resources, clearer policies, and greater representation in SG decisions. From revising club policies to fighting for fair funding, we want every student organization to thrive.
Transparency: Holding Leadership Accountable
With a new university president taking office, it is more important than ever that RIT’s leadership listens to students. We will push for open communication, consistent updates, and student involvement in shaping RIT’s strategic plan and the ongoing work of SG, ensuring that governing bodies understand and embrace the needs of the students. By making university decisions more accessible and clear, we can create a campus that truly listens, adapts, and grows with us.
Expanding RIT’s Integration with Rochester
Beyond campus, we want to strengthen RIT’s connection with the greater Rochester community. We will work with the University of Rochester to create more collaborative events and academic opportunities, push for student nights at Rochester’s museums and cultural sites, and improve transportation options for students to experience downtown events.
It’s a F.A.C.T.—RIT students deserve better communication, stronger advocacy, thriving clubs, and an administration that listens. Vote for us, and let’s build a better RIT together!
GO TIGERS!!!