CANDIDATES

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Luke McDermott, Presidential & Student Regent Candidate

Hi! My name is Luke McDermott, and I am running for Student Body President and Student Regent on Ascend. As the current External Vice President of ASUN, I’ve led multi-year projects to bring resources like New York Times Games and Grammarly to the University of Nebraska, ensuring students have access to these resources.

In my sophomore year, I served as Government Liaison Committee Chair, spearheading state and national advocacy for the organization. In this role, I focused on LGBTQ+ rights and faculty tenure, testifying on these issues before the Unicameral. My involvement began in my freshman year as part of the Freshman Campus Leadership Associates and Committee for Fee Allocations.

Beyond ASUN, I’ve served as Chairman of the Husker Vote Coalition, treasurer of Pi Sigma Alpha and Omicron Delta Epsilon, a student researcher, and a member of the University Conduct Board. Through these roles, I have shown a commitment to civic engagement as a core value.

As Student Body President, I aim to strengthen the student voice within our university system and across government entities.

Reem Ahmed, Internal Vice Presidential Candidate

Hello! My name is Reem Ahmed. I am running for Internal Vice President with Ascend in ASUN’s student government elections! Currently, I serve as ASUN's Chief of Staff and have led initiatives like addressing the closure of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. I also represent ASUN nationally within the Association of Big Ten Student Governments as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Last year, I served as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences and on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, focusing on supporting students affected by global crises. I’ve also been on the Freshman Campus Leadership Associates (FCLA) Appointments Board for two years and began my journey in student government as a member of FCLA during my freshman year.

Outside of ASUN, I am involved in The African Student Association, where I previously served as vice president, the Afrikan People’s Union, and Psi Chi. I also work as a student researcher in the Global Health Communications Lab and as an undergraduate research assistant at the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.

As Internal Vice President, I plan to enhance support for existing student initiatives through ASUN’s resources and legislative efforts.

Marlana Saalfeld, External Vice Presidential Candidate

Hi, my name is Marlana Saalfeld, and I am running for External Vice President. As a current senator for the College of Education and Human Sciences, I have worked to uplift student voices through initiatives like the Student Bill of Rights to ensure that students are informed of their rights when facing discrimination. I have also been dedicated to collaborating with Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) to foster connections and support events that engage and empower the student body.

I currently serve as the chair of the Equity Grant Selection Committee and have contributed to projects focused on increasing support for marginalized communities. In addition to my work as a senator, I am also a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. This past year, I was on Freshman Campus Leadership Associates (FCLA) Appointments Board, furthering my involvement in ASUN, which began my freshman year as part of FCLA.

Outside of ASUN, I am involved in several organizations, including serving as the vice president of Future Teachers of Color club, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Afrikan Peoples Union, and a mentor for NHRI. Through these roles, I actively support and empower students and help create opportunities for leadership development and community engagement.

As External Vice President, I aim to continue uplifting underrepresented voices on campus by fostering inclusivity, advocating for equitable policies, and creating platforms for students to express their needs and concerns.

Heather Lange, Presumptive Chief of Staff

Hello! My name is Heather Lange, and I am running as the presumptive Chief of Staff on the Ascend campaign. I currently serve as a Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences and a Co-Director of the Freshman Campus Leadership Associates. I have focused my time as a Senator on improving the University Honors Program. As FCLA Co-Director, I have mentored and guided 24 freshmen to be engaged leaders, compassionate and empathetic individuals, and meaningful contributors to UNL’s extraordinary student body.

I served as a Freshman Campus Leader Associate during my freshman year. Through FCLA, I learned the importance of community and friendship. I grew my knowledge of ASUN and encouraged my fellow associates to do the same. Outside of ASUN, I am actively involved in the University Honors Program through rigorous coursework and advocacy.

As the next chief of staff of ASUN, I intend to prioritize diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and student involvement.