Being part of an organization can be an intimidating experience, especially for those who are already juggling a lot in their personal life in addition to the load of classwork. However, being part of an organization still can be accomplished, even with a ton on the plate.

Kristin Zeier of Student Senate is an example of how it can work. Zeier, 27, is the vice president of public relations for Student Senate. She became a Madison College student in 2009 and is in Liberal Arts Transfer program and Interior Design Program. A Madison native, Zeier will be transferring to UW–Madison next fall. She has an 8-year-old son named Aidan, and works as a waitress at Johnny Delmonico’s Steakhouse.

In her position as vice president of public relations, she oversees the public image of the Senate and gets the word out about events and initiatives. She actively recruits students so they become involved and interested in what’s going on around them.

Zeier is also the chair for Student Senate’s Food, Health and Safety Committee. Zeier is at the forefront of strategizing the creation of a Horiculture-Aquaponics initiative at Madison College. She said she hopes to accomplish sustainability with her Farm to Table initiative.

“The Food and Health Services Committee is something I’m very passionate about,” she said.

Zeier added she would like to see changes regarding food at the college.

“One thing I would like to see is Farmers Markets on campus in late spring and early fall,” Zeier said. “Additionally, as something that sprouted as an idea in this committee last year, and has grown to its own entity, is a horticulture club. I’ve been working with other students and faculty on an initiative for a community garden/greenhouse with possibly Aquaponics involved.”

Zeier has been an active member of Student Senate in the past as she held a position as a senator, in 2012-12. She was also a member of Student Senate Commuter Services Committee that year and on the Student Senate Food, Health & Safety Committee as well.

Student Senate president Colin Bowden has worked with Zeier in Student Senate.
“Kristin is a hard worker, a caring vice president and a spark plug for our senate,” Bowden said. “I am proud to work with her.”

As chair of Student Senate Public Relations Committee Kristen along with the other members have recently sponsored events to gather student input on Financial Aid Services at Madison College and will be sponsoring the upcoming Student Senate 52nd Anniversary Celebration and will also co-sponsor a “Good Luck on Final Exams,” featuring wholesome smoothies created by The Whole Bowl at the Truax Campus. As part of the team objectives, the committee will ask students about what it is that helps them feel a sense of belonging at the college.
In addition to her initiatives on campus Kristin is going to be a Student Facilitator at this year’s Badger Bioneers Sustainability Networking Conference, hosted by Sustain Dane and UW-Madison. This conference represents a cross-section of community members who gather to explore sustainability and social innovation, through keynote talks, distinguished speakers, facilitated discussions, skill-building activities and workshops. Zeier also helped with the Wisconsin Sustainability Council’s annual conference in December this year.

Student Senate advisor Jackie Dahlke said it is a delight to work with Zeier.  She said Zeier is intelligent, kind and is a visionary. She also said Zeier is a hard worker as well as a good thinker and planner.

“Kristin is someone who mobilizes her beliefs. She is constantly learning, not just from her classes, but from opportunities, events, reading and networking among people with diverse perspectives and experiences. I full-well believe that Kristin will make a difference in the lives of many, because that is how she moves through her days now,” Dahlke said. “She is positive and intentional … and she is just getting started.”

Zeier said she hopes to accomplish other goals this year as the vice president of public relations including working for lower healthy food costs, more options of food payment, address public relation needs and get the student body more actively involved in issues that affect them.

Students are urged to bring ideas to Student Senate meetings. For those interested getting involved with Zeier’s initiatives, contact the Student Senate at [email protected] or call (608) 246-6107 for more information. Students may also stop by the senate office at Truax in Room C1438.