SAGE is a student advisory board and leadership opportunity for graduate students at Illinois that fosters active engagement with Graduate College programs and initiatives. SAGE board members enrich the graduate student community, build leadership skills, and strengthen Graduate College services and programs. This board contributes to the graduate student community at Illinois by providing varied perspectives that enhance the academic, professional, and social experience of graduate students at the university. They also provide valuable input for Graduate College programs, resources, and services.
Membership for 2022-2023
Sari Alkhatib | Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering |
Elisabeth Bacon | Neuroscience |
Claire Baytas | Comparative and World Literature |
Leah Becker | English |
Joe Bowie | Dance |
Kevin Cheng | Biophysics |
Elizabeth Coder | Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership |
Megan Cole | English |
Michelle Farley | Anthropology |
Danielle Gapinski | Agriculture, Leadership, Education, and Communication |
Zhaneille Green | Library and Information Science (MS) |
Nicholas Haight | Religion |
Samantha Iwinski | Human Development and Family Studies |
Shelby Keye | Kinesiology |
Pradeep Kumar | Molecular and Cellular Biology |
Vikram Kumar | Civil and Environmental Engineering |
Grisel Lopez-Alvarez | Human Resources and Industrial Relations |
Shelby Martell | Neuroscience |
Kuldeep Namdeo | Aerospace Engineering |
Julissa Nunez | Agriculture and Biological Engineering |
Jane Yeahin Pyo | Institute of Communications Research |
Karina Rodriguez | Information Sciences |
Allison Rzepka | Mechanical Science and Engineering |
Azlan Smith | English (MFA) and Writing Studies |
Alexandra Solecki | Mechanical Science and Engineering |
Irina Valenzuela | Economics |
Darrien Watson | Recreation, Sport and Tourism |
Charlotte Bauer | Graduate College, Assistant Dean |
Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko | Graduate College, Dean |
Visit our GradLIFE blog for more information about this year's SAGE board!
Project Groups
SAGE project groups provide the opportunity for SAGE members and Graduate College staff focus on specific topics and goals. These collaborative groups help shape best practices, resources, and future initiatives for the larger graduate student community at Illinois
Diversity and Inclusion Book Series
Facilitated by Lisa Abston, meets in Fall
- Joe Bowie
- Elizabeth Coder
- Zhaneille Green
- Michelle Farley
- Karina Rodriguez
Diversity Dialogue Series
Facilitated by Lisa Abston, meets in Spring
- Joe Bowie
- Jane Pyo
- Kuneyl, Kuneyl
- Michelle Farley
- Azlan Smith
Graduate Student Community
Facilitated by Emily Wuchner and Andrea Bridges, meets in Spring
- Elizabeth Coder
- Danielle Gapinski
- Zhaneille Green
- Nick Haight
- Shelby Martell
- Alex Solecki
- Irina Valenzuela
GradPLAN: Individual Development Plan
Facilitated by Mike Firmand and Emily Wuchner, meets in Fall and Spring
- Kevin Jose Cheng
- Ellie Bacon
- Shelby Keye
- Pradeep Kumar
- Vikram Kumar
- Grisel Lopez-Alvarez
- Jane Pyo
New Service Model
Facilitated by Alexis Thompson and Allison McKinney, meets in Fall and Spring
- Sari Alkhatib
- Leah Becker
- Samantha Iwinski
- Karina Rodriguez
- Allison Rzepka
GradLIFE Podcast and Blog
Facilitated by John Moist, meets in Fall and Spring
SAGE members
- Claire Baytas
- Kuldeep Namdeo
- Darrien Watson
Additional participants
- Derek Attig
- Charlotte Bauer
- Julius Freeman
- Katharine Wennerdahl