On Friday, October 31, 2025, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Danita Brown Young hosted a student panel as part of University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) Weekend, bringing together a group of outstanding students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to share their experiences, perspectives and aspirations. UIF Foundation members and University supporters were able to hear directly from students whose leadership, scholarship and service reflect the impact of private support and the strength of the Illinois community.
The students—who represented colleges and programs across campus—spoke about their academic journeys, their engagement in student organizations and the ways in which Illinois has shaped their growth both inside and outside the classroom. The students’ responses during the panel highlighted their talent and commitment while simultaneously underscoring how Student Affairs plays a vital role in creating environments where students can thrive, lead and prepare for lives of purpose.
Learn more about our student panelists:
Ross Bodine – A senior from Sherman, Illinois, studying Plant Biotechnology in the College of ACES, Ross has combined a passion for science with a dedication to student leadership. As President of the Interfraternity Council and an active member of FarmHouse Fraternity, he works to strengthen the Greek community while fostering collaboration across campus. Ross also serves on the College of ACES Student Leadership Council, engaging with students and faculty to represent the interests of his college. Beyond leadership, he pursues undergraduate research on herbicide tolerance in weeds and has been recognized as a Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholar, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
Fernanda Castillo – A third-year student in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Fernanda’s journey has been defined by perseverance and service. Initially admitted through the Access and Achievement Program, she spent her first two years as an undeclared student, before committing to Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Social Work. Fernanda has been a Resident Advisor, a Student Programming Coordinator at La Casa Cultural Latina and serves in multiple leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of the United Greek Council and Vice President of Finance for her sorority. Her experiences on campus and in leadership positions have prepared her to pursue a future as a licensed therapist, where she hopes to provide mental health services to low-income, bilingual communities.
Kamren Mason-El – A senior majoring in Political Science on the pre-law track with a minor in Communication, Kamren has immersed herself in both advocacy and student leadership. She currently serves as President of the Association of Minorities in Political Science, Vice President of the Central Black Student Union and Director of Public Relations for the Black Greek Council. Kamren has also contributed as an undergraduate representative on the Department of Political Science’s Climate Committee, worked as a Circuit Orientation Leader for the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center, and helped organize large-scale women’s empowerment conferences. Through internships, Greek life engagement, and participation in initiatives like Illinois System Day in the Capitol, Kamren has combined leadership, community service and civic engagement in ways that amplify student voices and foster meaningful change on campus.
Taylor Nicholoff – A junior in Early Childhood Education, Taylor is committed to advancing equity and social justice through both her academic and co-curricular work. As an advanced intern with the Diversity and Social Justice Education Department, she supports student outreach, develops workshops and facilitates learning experiences designed to foster inclusion. Taylor also contributes to Strengthening and Empowering Educators of Diverse Statuses (SEEDS) and the Golden Apple Scholars UIUC Branch, engaging with her peers to build supportive networks for aspiring educators. Through these experiences, Taylor combines her passion for teaching with a commitment to community impact, reflecting the broader mission of Student Affairs at Illinois to cultivate purposeful leadership.
Valerie Weinshenker – A senior James Scholar Honors student in the College of Applied Health Sciences, Valerie studies Interdisciplinary Health Sciences with a focus on Health Diversity. She balances rigorous academics with leadership and service, working as an Emergency Medical Technician with Illini Emergency Medical Services while serving as Vice President of Risk Management for the Panhellenic Council and External Vice President for Phi Chi Pre-Health Fraternity. Valerie also supports learning and research through her role as Director of Teaching Assistants for Food Sciences and Human Nutrition 101 and her work in cognitive behavior and neurotoxicology research at Mahoney Labs. With a passion for healthcare and community engagement, Valerie hopes to combine her academic interests and leadership experiences into a career in medicine that advances both science and service.
The University of Illinois extends its gratitude to Ross, Fernanda, Kamren, Taylor, and Valerie for sharing their stories, insights, and experiences with the UIF Foundation Weekend audience.
