Tweet

Grand View University club presidents are individuals that impact student and campus life through their leadership. From about twenty-two total active clubs, seven student leaders were interviewed. In this first series of Get To Know GVU Club Presidents, read about inspiring stories that help provide insight on what it takes to be a student leader.    

Raylie Whipple is the president of APO Alpha Psi Omega, or Theatre Honors club, in her last semester at GVU. After being set on the idea that college was not for her, Whipple was exposed to GVU through her now husband and leaped to apply. Whipple is soon graduating after serving APO as a member and is now president. The environment of APO has made a second home for those involved in theatre and the GVU theatre department.  

“It is not us versus them. It is us with them,”  Whipple said in describing the environment between all the clubs and organizations on the GVU campus. The various clubs on campus all share at least one goal, which is to impact campus and student life in a positive way. Whipple is a charismatic and kind leader who inspires students to leave APO in good graces with the means to continue providing a community around the theatre. 

Kallista Larson is a third-year student on GVU studying Biology/ Pre-Med. Larson is the president of Pre-SOMA club, which stands for Students of the Osteopathic Medicine Association, which is also affiliated with Des Moines University’s SOMA Club as well. The Pre-SOMA club here at GVU drew Larson’s attention due to its alignment with her studies. Working to provide opportunities for students looking for a future in healthcare, Larson takes an approach of support through the club. Developing opportunities is essential. However, Larson aims to be “student-oriented” for healthcare students. She wants also to impact the social environments within the Pre-Med and Biology program at GVU.  

“This club is a comfortable place,” Larson said in describing goals for the club. Larson wants to continue to create a sense of community among those studying Biology and Pre-Med. Student leadership is not only focused on personal goals and attributes but also the best interests of the GV community. 

Katy Crowley is president of GVU Pride and recently voted as co-president of the club with Dalton Dencklau. Crowley is a native Iowan from the Des Moines area and transferred to GVU in 2022. Crowley is studying social work with a minor in theatre after being drawn to the theatre department. She touched on what GVU Pride is working on, from gender-inclusive bathrooms to events, in preparation for pride month in June. April will be packed with GVU Pride events to prep students while they are on campus for celebrating Pride Month off-campus. Safe spaces may not be a guarantee for those of different identities, and even the GVU community is no stranger to various forms of discrimination.  

“We want to create a brave space,” Crowley said in describing her goals in leadership. She wants to inspire people of all sexual orientations to be brave and advocate for their rights to a safe space.  

“I’m just pretty vocal and loud about who I am,” Crowley said. 

Crowley’s ‘vocal’ and ‘loud’ presence will continue to help her impact the campus community. 

Jesus Martinez-Aviles is a second-year student from the Des Moines area. A private university on the East side of town was one of the deciding factors that drew Martinez-Aviles to GVU.  

“We focus on culture, different religions, gender and sexuality, holiday celebrations, and different causes…we like to attend to everything we can,” Martinez-Aviles said when addressing the mission of the club. 

Martinez-Aviles is an individual who focuses on growth in many aspects. Being a student leader and branching out on campus has helped him increase and meet his goals for growth. 

Martinez-Aviles strives to lead Diversity Alliance by “increasing visibility towards all of these types of identities.” 

According to Martinez-Aviles, the desired outcome of this is to expose students to diverse identities they may not usually interact with.  

Diversity Alliance views new ideas and interacts within the group by creating a comfortable environment where people can bring pieces of their culture and identity forward.  

“I feel like it is important to give it our all… and not just execute something half-baked,” Martinez-Aviles said. 

Martinez-Aviles has much more in store and continues to focus on highlighting individuals and the diverse community that makes up GV. 

Rae Beebe is the leader of the Social Work club, with a drive for social justice in the GVU community. Beebe is part of the student population at GVU that started their college education as older adults. Therefore, Beebe’s journey is unique and has come with struggles as a student leader.  

“I don’t need to be the boss; I just want to be there to push things along,” Beebe said when discussing her opinion and goals within this leadership role.  

The social work club aims to advocate for and help the GVU community. Organization truly is vital for Beebe as a student leader. Her organizational skills not only help Beebe but other students who look to her for knowledge.  

“I am ‘team them,’” Beebe said when discussing how enthusiastic she is to tackle her goals and support other students in the GVU community. In stating ‘team them,’ Bebbe is referring to being a team player when it comes to the interaction that she and APO have with other clubs on campus.  

Providing support has been a central vision for Beebe in this role and within the campus community. Being a voice and stepping forward to represent individuals in the campus community is how Beebe will continue to influence GVU’s campus dynamic and atmosphere. 

Gracie Kriegel is a second-year student at GVU studying graphic design and studio arts. Due to being from the Des Moines area, “Grand View just kept coming up,” Kriegel said when describing what drew her to study at GVU. She was influenced by those in the community and their support of GVU and their programs. Kriegel is president of the Best Buddies Chapter GV and wanted to introduce and impact GVU. Best Buddies is an international non-profit organization focusing on helping people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities by providing the opportunity for those individuals to socialize and gain experiences with others in the campus community. This chapter influences a specific section of the campus community by bringing social events and opportunities to light. For those significantly impacted by things out of their control, Best Buddies wants to give power and support to them in their college journeys.  

“I know how heartbreaking it is to feel like you don’t fit in,” Kriegel said.  

Kriegel described her compassion and drive to help individuals have the same opportunities to do fun events and engage with others at GVU. Kriegel is a student leader driven by understanding and continues to use her opportunities to create opportunities.