By Kim Nguyen
Communications Intern, College of IST
When it comes to hobbies, Brett Buran is like every other college student—video games, ice hockey, water sports, being outside, salsa and ballroom dancing are just a few of his interests. But when it comes to student involvement within the college, Buran stands out.
Buran, a rising sophomore who is double-majoring in information science and technology (IST) and security risk analysis (SRA), quickly became active in the College of IST’s student organizations. He’s part of the SRA club, VISTA, Night of Honors committee and Future Forum committee. And when the opportunity to take on an executive position within the College of IST’s student government was presented to Buran, he chose to take it. He officially took office as vice president back in January.
“I took the role because I saw it as an opportunity to become more involved within the college and it gave me a chance to make a difference on a higher level,” said Buran.
During his tenure as vice president, Buran developed goals and plans for the student government, which eventually became the catalyst for his bid for student government president during the 2009 spring semester.
“I really wanted to make a difference within the College of IST, more than just being on committees,” said Buran. “There were some things that I really wanted to see done.”
Instead of campaigning with big posters, flyers and speeches, Buran took a different route and “pounded the pavement,” networking with others within the council as well as other people in the college.
When he found out that he had won the position of president, Buran was kind of surprised..
“I knew it could go either way…but I was happy,” he said.
Buran officially took over as president of the College of IST’s student government April 27 and already has a busy agenda under way, including meetings with faculty and the student government executive board. Buran also is spearheading the return of a social event to welcome the incoming College of IST students during Labor Day weekend. He has already formed a committee to plan the details of the event during this upcoming summer.
Buran’s other plans include a possible THON committee as well as restructuring the student government, a challenge that, Buran said, if overcome, would ultimately increase involvement within the student government. Buran looks forward to working with everyone in the college. His personal goal is to motivate more students to become involved in the college’s organizations and he hopes to share his enthusiasm with others.
For more information regarding the College of IST’s student government, visit http://sg.ist.psu.edu/blog/.