The new AMS commissioners aim to make this school year the most memorable one yet for incoming students, said Ruth Osunde, vice-president (university affairs).
The Journal sat down with the AMS commissioners, overseen by Osunde’s portfolio, to discuss their roles. With the commissioners already hard at work, Osunde couldn’t be more excited about what this year has to offer.
“There is a strong emphasis on continuation and sustainability in our practices this year. We’re making sure the work the commissioner team does this year will set up successful long-term initiatives,” Osunde wrote in a statement to The Journal.
Stephanie Sahadeo, Commissioner of Clubs
After Stephanie Sahadeo, ArtSci ’25, expressed her deep ion for the club community at Queen’s during her interview, Osunde knew she’d found her Commissioner of Clubs.
Sahadeo wants to find innovative ways to increase student engagement with the over 300 AMS ratified clubs she’ll be overseeing during her tenure. She wants to foster engagement between clubs, connecting pre-law, pre-medical, and pre-dental organizations by hosting larger events on campus.
“I’m hoping to look for ways for clubs to engage and hopefully create more collaborative events to hopefully increase [club] turnout this year,” Sahadeo said.
Maddie Ronan, Orientation Roundtable Coordinator
Maddie Ronan, ConEd ’26, wants to spread the “orientation magic” as the Orientation Roundtable (ORT) Coordinator in September. Using the skills’ Ronan garnered during her time as the Chair of Concurrent Education’s Orientation Week, she’s looking forward to training her orientation team in August.
“For leader training week, I can’t explain what it feels like on that first day when the entire main gym gets filled with all the leaders—around 100 leaders—and the energy is just so vibrant,” Ronan said.
Ronan has events planned for incoming students in September, including the famous Mystery Concert. While the burning question of “who’s going to headline the concert?” remains on student’s minds, Ronan said she can’t reveal the artist just yet.
Kaan Sumer, Commissioner of Social Issues (External)
Kaan Sumer, CompSci ’25, looks forward to fostering an inclusive environment as the Social Issues Commissioner (SIC) (External), responsible for ensuring education and dialogue around equity, identity, and anti-oppression.
As SIC (External), Sumer plans to build upon the foundations laid by his predecessors, expanding initiatives such as the Seven Grandfather Teachings Award, a grant given to Indigenous students who’ve shown leadership and initiative at Queen’s. Additionally, Sumer wants to introduce new events such as a social issues Trivia Night.
Sumer’s previous position of Vice-President (Operations) of the Queen’s Computing Student Association (COMPSA) prepared him for AMS Assembly meetings this year where he will present updates about ongoing initiatives within the SIC.
Jana Amer, Commissioner of Social Issues (Internal)
For Jana Amer, HealthSci ’26, making sure students feel “heard, valued, and respected” is a top priority.
Amer’s ion for equity work and a desire to make a tangible difference in social issues at Queen’s motivated her to accept the position of SIC (Internal). She will ensure social issues facing Queen’s students will get the attention and they require.
Continuing the work on the ongoing Menstrual Equity Project, Amer will ensure students have easy access to pads and tampons on campus. She plans to expand harm reduction and consent week initiatives by extending these programs into university residences to reach more students.
Anne Fu, Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability
Having been involved in the Queen’s Backing Action on the Climate Crisis (QBACC), Anne Fu, HealthSci ’25, wants to hit the ground running in her role as Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability and foster a sustainable and eco-friendlier environment at Queen’s.
“I’m really looking forward to embedding sustainability more closely within the AMS, especially in the operations and the services that we do,” Fu said.
Fu wants to look into services’ waste management practices and create a centralized environmental policy for the AMS. As a powerful student government, the AMS should embody environmental sustainability practices they preach to students, Fu explained.
Dreyden George, Commissioner of Campus Affairs (External)
Dreyden George, ArtSci ’26, is no stranger to the AMS, transitioning from his role as Commissioner of Clubs to Commissioner of Campus Affairs (External) this year where he will advocate for Queen’s students’ interests to the municipal and provincial governments.
George will voice student’s issues at Kingston City Council meetings and engage students in the municipal election by amplifying the importance of voting.
Addressing student housing and academic issues is at the top of George’s agenda. He plans on maintaining a positive relationship with the Student Academic Success Services (SASS) and the Housing Resource Centre.
Roan Haggerty-Goede, Commissioner of Campus Affairs (Internal)
As the Commissioner of Campus Affairs (Internal), Roan Haggerty-Goede, HealthSci ’25, is responsible for organizing events to promote a better on-campus environment. To achieve this goal, Haggerty-Goede aims to host more in-person office hours to ensure students who are running events can receive the proper assistance they need.
Looking ahead, Haggerty-Goede will implement harm reduction initiatives during Homecoming, St. Patrick’s Day, and Orientation Week, distributing Gatorade, condoms, and snacks to promote safety and well-being during student celebrations. For non-party goers, Haggerty-Goede plans to offer alternate activities for students.
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Vice President (University Affairs)
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