GSC Election


GSC Treasurer | Candidates

Russ Chua

Read candidate’s statement

At MIT, I’ve taken on leadership roles that challenged me as I grew—starting as Community Co-Chair of 70 Amherst and eventually serving as both HCA Co-Chair and President of 70 Amherst. These experiences deepened my understanding of representing the graduate community, and I’ve always prioritized delivering results while managing expectations.

As HCA Co-Chair, I’ve led initiatives such as the Banana Lounge Summer Experiment, housing rent discussions, and dorm publicity policies. These efforts strengthened the graduate experience and fostered relationships across HCA and beyond. I’ve also advocated for rescoping the off-campus budget to better support event planning and cohesion between off-campus students and the GSC.

The Treasurer role is crucial to GSC’s success, but its high turnover often creates uncertainty. Events require a two-week notification for GSC announcements, and delays in funding reports can stifle creative energy, especially during key times like Halloween. With Vincent and Aristotle, two exemplary treasurers, graduating soon, I’m concerned about the loss of their institutional knowledge. Having closely collaborated with them, I’m confident in my understanding of their processes and working styles, which positions me well to ensure continuity in this vital role.

As Treasurer, I’ll stay committed to HCA’s mission while providing logistical support to the officer team. I look forward to helping maintain the GSC’s momentum and strengthening connections between our leadership and the graduate community.

Ayannah Lang

Read candidate’s statement

I am honored to seek the position of Treasurer for the MIT Graduate Student Council, offering extensive knowledge in financial stewardship, student advocacy, and community engagement. My experiences at MIT and beyond have equipped me with a nuanced understanding of effective governance and resource allocation. My role as a GSC representative on the Graduate Residence Community Grants Committee offers invaluable insights into the Institute’s financial operations and their impact on the graduate student experience. Additionally, my work as a Social Media Fellow with the Office of Graduate Education and as a Graduate Diversity Recruitment Ambassador has strengthened my outreach and inclusive communication skills—critical for the responsible administration of GSC funds.

Beyond MIT, my leadership experiences have reinforced my dedication to fiscal responsibility. As President of my college’s Honors Program Student Association, I collaborated with faculty and administration to allocate resources that enhanced academic programming and engagement. Serving as Treasurer for the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel provided invaluable experience balancing budgets and prioritizing funding needs for broad community impact.

Furthermore, my academic pursuits reflect my dedication to rigorous standards in financial management. My interests in financial sciences, quantitative research, and financial advocacy underscore this commitment, and as a Presidential Fellow and Phi Beta Kappa Society member, I prioritize integrity and accountability in all aspects of my work. As Treasurer, I am eager to foster a culture of transparency and proactive, principled financial planning to support our graduate community’s evolving needs. Thank you for considering my candidacy.