Council Member Directory

Get To Know William

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Get To Know Simas

Major: Economics '24

Simas is a junior Economics major at GS (who is still in the process of choosing a concentration). He is expecting to graduate in May 2024 with his younger brother, Rimas CC'24, after a happy set of coincidences led their paths back together after high school at Bergen County Academies. Simas grew up in northern New Jersey, not too far from campus, and coming to Columbia was something of a childhood dream come true because his parents met in Mudd Hall as graduate students. Simas is happiest on his grandparent’s biodynamic organic farm in rural southern Lithuania, where he learned how to drive, off-roading in a 1999 Ford Ranger, while chasing rogue sheep. He worked there for some time prior to coming to Columbia. 

He is passionate about building community at GS, both as a distinct, diverse, and supportive community and as a part of the wider Columbia undergraduate student body. His top priorities for the year are maintaining high levels of transparency, continuing accountable and responsible spending practices, and actively facilitating the work of the GSSC in conditions that make long-term planning difficult. For any questions, comments, or concerns pertaining to the work of the Finance Committee, please know that his door (email inbox) is always open.

Get To Know Raymond

Major: Computer Science '24

Raymond is in his second year as a GS transfer student studying computer science and is expecting to graduate in May 2024. He aims to build his own startup career working with games to improve and boost livelihood. He dreams that life should be both enjoyable and engaging as one might do in a video game. Raymond founded the Columbia Computer Science Society (CCSS) during his first semester at Columbia. Since arriving, he has been dedicated to engage and bring communities closer together as he strongly believes we should all be there to help one another. Outside of his academics, Raymond is a digital artist, origami creator, gamer, and chef. He is currently part of the Columbia Esports Overwatch team, Columbia White.

As Technology Chair, Raymond is passionate to work with his fellow Communication Committees to improve and further expand resources and assets available for the GS community. As the school year progresses, he aims to bring efficiency and organization for a friendlier user experience to the GSSC website and all that will help in the fluidity of communication. Raymond is always eager to help his community and welcomes all who wish to chat.

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Get To Know Nasser

Major: English; Film & Media Studies '25

Nasser is entering his second year at GS studying English and Film & Media Studies. He is incredibly excited to continue serving as the Vice President of Policy for GSSC this year. He was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and lived in Connecticut before starting at GS. Outside of GSSC, he is involved with the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) as an Orientation Leader and Crew Captain, as well as the Columbia Bartending Agency.

Nasser loves exploring parts of NYC, especially restaurants, and welcomes any recommendations. He is excited to continue meeting new GS students and serving the GS student body.

Get To Know Maya

Major: Undecided 

Maya is entering her second year at Columbia GS and is still a little undecided about what she is studying (though she is currently deciding between Economics-Political Science and Astronomy and Political Science). She is incredibly excited to join GSSC as Vice President of Campus Life and serve GS’ diverse and remarkable community. 

As Vice President of Campus Life, Maya aims to introduce more events into the GSSC repertoire, ensure inclusivity for events to ensure that every GS student is able to attend, and further bolster GSSC’s relationship with its respective counterparts in Columbia and Barnard. 

For any questions about Campus Life, feedback/concerns, and ideas for future events you’d like to see GSSC make happen, please reach out to Maya by email. 

Get To Know Kyle

Major: Political Science '23

Kyle is a Political Science major graduating in May 2023. He was born in Connecticut and has been living in NYC since arriving at GS in the fall of 2020. Kyle's involvement in GSSC stems from his experiences and his studies.

Besides being a full-time student, Kyle is a professional bartender who has helped restructure and revamp cocktail programs for several bars. Bartenders are de facto therapists who not only see people at their best, but also at their worst. Bartending has allowed Kyle to interact with a diverse set of people regularly. These interactions have taught him the value of pluralism in a free society and the complications that arise from such.

Similarly, the GS student body houses an array of different backgrounds. To Kyle, it’s a poignant reminder that academia is a place for all. He believes we shouldn't demonize nor pathologize unconventionality. Instead, we ought to commemorate and celebrate it. Along with advocating for those who have traversed a “non-traditional” path, Kyle hopes to make student life easier by eliminating undue stress in areas such as, registration, course selection, and accessing various student resources.

Get To Know Josh

Major: Mathematics and Talmud '23

Joshua is a junior in the JTS/GS Joint Program studying Math/Computer Science and Talmud.  When his head is not buried in his books, whether a math textbook or a tome of Talmud, you can often find him walking the halls of JTS or eating peanut sandwiches somewhere on Columbia’s campus despite finishing dinner just an hour ago.

Although Columbia & JTS are located right next to each other and students in the program travel between both schools every day—even making a mad dash between classes to not be late—it can feel as if the two schools exist in alternate universes. So, as JTS Rep, Joshua hopes to bring GS’ers and JTS students together from across the seemingly endless two block ocean that is Columbia’s Campus and JTS. By doing so, he will help foster relationships that allow JTS students and GS students to feel part of one common community.

Get To Know Garrett

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Get To Know Evan

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Get To Know Emily

Major: Art History '23

Emily is a senior studying Art History. She has served as an Orientation Leader, Junior Marshal, GS NSOP Chair, Tour Guide, and, last year, as the Chief of Campus Life on GSSC. Since arriving at Columbia, Emily has been a dedicated student leader committed to serving and advocating for her fellow GS students. 

While on the Campus Life Committee last year, Emily helped to oversee the return to in-person events, both big and small. She is particularly proud to have been able to bring back signature GSSC events like Snack Attacks and the Annual GSSC Gala.

As Student Body President, Emily plans to pursue a wide range of policy initiatives, ranging from academic to financial --always with the aim of addressing inequity. She also hopes to support GSSC in bringing back a larger and wider variety of events as Covid restrictions continue to lift. Emily will work to promote transparency and collaboration between GSSC, the student body, and the University at large.

In her spare time, you'll catch her at museums, reading a good book, or watching old CW shows. Emily is incredibly grateful to be able to serve her community. She is always down for a chat and encourages every GSer to come say hi!

Get To Know Catherine

Major: Neuroscience and Behavior '24

Concentration: Secondary Education

Catherine is in her second year at Columbia GS and will be majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a concentration in Secondary Education. She wishes to pursue a career in the education field with an emphasis on psychological development and biology. Outside of her studies, she works as a content creator and digital artist. 

Having served as Technology Chair, Catherine is excited to continue her role on GSSC as the Vice President of Communications. She aims to further GSSC Communications through various expansion and outreach opportunities. As the school year progresses, Catherine is excited to work with the Communications Committee to ensure the GS student body is updated and engaged with various GSSC events and new forms of content. Stay tuned!

Get To Know Bruce 

Major: Cognitive Science & Public Health '25

Bruce loves hiking, track & field, and reading books on personal development. Bruce Goumain is a French Air Force Veteran currently studying Cognitive Science & Public Health and graduating in 2025. He deeply values the Columbia Experience for its students and employees and cares greatly about ensuring that everyone is able to take care of their physical, social, and mental health while having at their disposal the right tools and resources to thrive financially, academically, and professionally.