Jon Guzman

Name: Jon Guzman

Email: jon.guzman@maine.edu

Degree Program(s): M.A. Global Policy

Home Country: United States

Role in Graduate Student Government: Junior Grants Officer

Reason behind joining the GSG as an officer: I joined the GSG as a continuation of my undergraduate work at UMaine, where I served as a Senator in the UMSG, and then transitioned to represent a community board—the Student Heritage Alliance Council—where I amplified the voices of my constituency. I love UMaine, I love the students who attend UMaine, and I am committed to doing everything I can to express their sentiments and make this university a better place for every single student, every single day—current and future. This is my public service to my community.

As an officer in the GSG, how would you like to contribute in such a way that you improve the situation for graduate students?: As an officer in the GSG, I aim to establish an equitable and fair grant process, from application submission to fund disbursement, that becomes a standard within the GSG. With the implementation of our Emergency Grant Funding process, I aim to ensure that I, alongside the Grants Officer, can work in tandem with the rest of the GSG to create a due process that accounts for the varying situations we may encounter and how to promptly justify classifications for approval/disapproval. The goal is for the grants officer not to be a barrier for graduate students, but rather a bridge for them between the money that belongs to them.

 

Long-Term Career Goals: My long-term career goal is to work in sports entertainment, specifically with organizations such as WWE, ESPN, and Endeavor. I would like to work in a role that is primarily oriented towards marketing, communications, or research-based positions.

 

Research at UMaine: I’ve conducted research at UMaine primarily related to market research in the Division of Marketing and Communications, and separate research projects with Maine Athletics and Northern Light

 

Involvement in clubs and other organizations: I am currently the GA for the Office of International Programs (OIP), the Partnerships Marketing and Content Assistant for the Division of Marketing and Communications, an intern for the Van Wagner branch at the University of Maine, a cook at Marsh Island Kitchen in Hampden, ME, and I am the Marketing Coordinator for the Wilson Center.

 

Hobbies: I love to do flower arrangements, watch sports, cook, go out with friends, watch anime, and write poetry

 

Fun facts: 

  • I interned at World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and met John Cena!
  • I host a weekly radio show on WMEB 91.9 FM
  • I have 12 siblings; I’m the 2nd youngest
  • I’ve run my own menu at a restaurant