2012 - 2013 SAA Leadership Team
Name: Abigaelle Mulligan
Position: Director of Communications
Hometown: West Covina, California
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Public Relations
Minor: Digital Arts
Favorite Quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." - Neal Donald Walsh
Why did you choose to attend UO? I needed an adventure and the University of Oregon seemed like the perfect place to begin the journey. It also had a great academic program, and there were so many clubs and groups to get plugged into. I was also excited to go to a college with a great football team and who had so much energy and spirit for keeping traditions alive and creating new ones!
What is your favorite thing about UO? I love that the opportunities are endless here. UO has a spot for everyone so there is a lot of room for you to become the individual you want to be.
What is your favorite hangout spot on campus? Lillis 3rd floor for studying or doing homework, but if I'm hanging out with friends Hamilton food area or the EMU.
Why did you want to be involved with the SAA? I wanted to be involved not only with the university but with the community. The SAA also gave me a chance to connect with a lot of alumni!
What are your goals/plans for after graduation? Hopefully land a job with Hurley, Roxy, or Quicksilver! While growing up in Southern California I fell in love with the surfing lifestyle and beach living so I would love to be a part of a surfing company's team.
Name: Jane Fortner
Position: Director of Alumni Relations
Hometown: Corvallis, OR
Year in School: Junior
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Economics
Favorite Quote: "I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." --Marilyn Monroe
Why did you choose to attend UO? Its excellent business program!
What is your favorite thing about UO? All of the opportunities to meet new people and connect with other people from all different backgrounds.
What is your favorite hangout spot on campus? Humpy Lumpy Lawn
Why did you want to be involved with the SAA? In order to get involved with the University and experience all of the great opportunities and connections the SAA has to offer.
What are your goals/plans for after graduation? I hope to eventually own my own bed and breakfast or chain of high end resorts.
Name: Shelby Giancaspro
Position: Director of Operations
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Year in School: Junior
Major: Biology
Minor: Environmental Studies
Favorite Quote: "
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" -Dr. Seuss
Why did you choose to attend UO? Climate change and great science program!
What is your favorite thing about UO? Football games!
What is your favorite hangout spot on campus? Science Library and Starbucks
Why did you want to be involved with the SAA? Alumni Connections, meet new people, and to get involved with campus life.
What are your goals/plans for after graduation? After graduate school I hope to become a conservation biologist.
Name: Kelsey Martin
Position: Director of Philanthropy and Advocacy
Hometown: Walnut Creek, CA
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Business/Accounting
Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Ghandi
Why did you choose to attend UO? I wanted to be in a place where I could explore and truly become the person I want to be and where I could surround myself with people who were all striving for that. Along with adventure, the UO academics are outstanding with the very wide variety of classes available to students to take as well as the many different organizations available for students to join.
What is your favorite thing about UO? Our school spirit. It allows us to have an instant feeling of community, which I think is key. The minute I stepped onto campus, I felt welcome here - something that I think is very unique about the University.
What is your favorite hangout spot on campus? Lillis Courtyard/Memorial Quad.
Why did you want to be involved with the SAA? I wanted to be apart of something that allowed me to be involved with campus and that allowed me to help make a difference. The SAA has presented awesome opportunities to do both!
What are your goals/plans for after graduation? I hope to work for either an Accounting firm or Business Corporation in the Bay Area.
Name: Jeffrey Mercado
Position: Director of Student Membership and Senior Experience
Hometown: Lynwood, CA
Year in School: Junior
Major: Journalism
Minor: Communications Studies
Favorite Quote: “The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.” - Dan Millman.
Why did you choose to attend UO? I wanted to get away from home and experience something completely different from Los Angeles. In addition, the journalism program at the UO is one of the best in the country so I knew coming here would give me the best opportunity to thrive.
What is your favorite thing about UO? I love the vibe on campus. Everyone is friendly and helpful and when it comes to school spirit no one tops the Ducks!
What is your favorite hangout spot on campus? Hayward Field during track and field season.
Why did you want to be involved with the SAA? SAA gives me the opportunity to be actively involved in helping fellow students gain important connections with alumni that can one-day lead to their dream career.
What are your goals/plans for after graduation? My plans are to become an international journalist that can work to aid developing countries and shed light on injustices committed around the globe.