New USA Executive Board Prepares to Lead This Fall at Canisius

By: Madison Howard, Assistant Features Editor

The United Student Association (USA) at Canisius University is gearing up for a new academic year with an incoming executive board ready to take on leadership roles in the fall semester. USA, which represents the student body and advocates for student needs to the university administration, recently held elections for its executive positions. Following the conclusion of voting this spring, the newly elected team, including President Leyla Akil, Executive Vice President Paige Apps, Vice President of Business and Finance Dominic Vivolo and Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Briana DeGlopper, is preparing to step into their roles. 

Leyla Akil, President, brings three years of USA experience to her new role, having served as Dining Services Liaison, Diversity Chair, Senator and most recently, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations. Reflecting on her motivation for running, Akil said USA had helped her grow as a leader and that stepping into the presidency feels “meaningful and full-circle.” Akil said her priorities for the upcoming term include rebuilding campus-wide community, increasing transparency and strengthening internal senate alignment. Many students, she noted, may not fully understand USA’s work or its impact and she hopes to expand visibility through events and clearer communication. On advocacy, she said listening to students first is essential, and she aims to serve as “a consistent and reliable bridge between students and university leadership.” By the end of her term, Akil hopes students will be able to say, “I know what USA does, and I see its impact.”

Paige Apps, Executive Vice President, described her role as “the backbone of the internal senate,” explaining that the role supports not only the executive board but also senators, chairs and liaisons. Apps emphasized communication and accessibility, noting that effective dialogue prevents issues and helps initiatives run smoothly. She looks forward to building stronger connections with committee chairs to help them plan successful events and increase student involvement. Apps also expressed interest in organizing more bonding opportunities for senate members to strengthen collaboration within USA.

Dominic Vivolo, Vice President of Business and Finance, is bringing his experience from previous leadership roles to manage USA’s budget and financial priorities. He said his motivation for running stemmed from a desire to help clubs maximize their funding and create impactful student programming. Vivolo explained that he evaluates budget decisions based on student needs and usefulness, striving to approve funds while remaining responsible with limited resources. He emphasized transparency around finances and encouraged students to reach out with questions or concerns. One of his goals is to help clubs create events that make campus life more engaging and vibrant.

Briana DeGlopper, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, plans to enhance communication between USA and the student body through timely updates and strategic use of social media: the primary form of communication for many students. She said she hopes to expand USA’s public visibility both on campus and within the greater Buffalo community. DeGlopper also highlighted the importance of ensuring every student feels represented and she hopes to bridge gaps between commuter and resident students. One of her central goals is to increase USA’s public outreach and community engagement. Reflecting on her decision to run, DeGlopper said she was motivated by the opportunity to advocate for her peers and contribute positively to student life.

With this new leadership team preparing to take office in the fall, USA appears poised to focus on transparency, student engagement and collaboration across campus. From strengthening internal structures and supporting clubs to expanding outreach and ensuring student voices are heard, the executive board is positioned to serve the Canisius student body in the year ahead.