Our Team

Meet the Team

PUDM is the largest philanthropic organization on campus, and it is filled with hundreds of students who want to make a difference for the kids at Riley Hospital for Children.

The organizational structure of PUDM is broken down into four different focuses. Each focus controls certain aspects of PUDM including- internal affairs, external relations, finances and membership. The Presidential Board, which is comprised of our dedicated leaders who help coach, teach and motivate everyone involved in PUDM and oversee the focuses. Finally, each focus is broken down into committees who have certain jobs to ensure PUDM is as successful as it can be. Meet the leaders of our 11 hardworking committees.

Presidential Board

Elise Winn

Elise Winn

President
Email: president@pudm.org
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Major: Biology
Previous PUDM Involvement: Hospitality Committee Champion, Fundraising Education Chair, Vice President of Membership
Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined Purdue University Dance Marathon because anytime I was doing anything PUDM related, it brought so much joy to me because I knew I was able to make a difference in the lives of Riley families. Learning about and being able to understand the impact of PUDM, Riley Hospital for Children and the research that happens there, and the Children’s Miracle Network, inspired me to want to be as involved as possible in changing the future of children’s health across the globe.
What are your main duties in your position? 
My main duty is to help everyone to think of the organization as a whole when making decisions. I directly oversee my 4 Vice Presidents and provide support for the entire leadership team. I run meetings for Pres Board, the Executive Board, and Chamber weekly. I organize and plan representation of PUDM at events on campus and in the community. I also am in close contact with our advisor at Riley, our CMN advisor, and university advisor and have a big focus on contacting and collaborating with other dance marathons across the country.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? *
My favorite PUDM memory is a tie between my first final total reveal as a champion in 2018 or sharing all of the PUDM 2020 and 2021 Executive whys at Exec Retreat.
What is your favorite dinosaur and why?
Rex from Toy Story
Favorite Quote
“At the end of the day, we can all endure much more than we think we can.” -Frida Kahlo
Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson

VP External

Email: vpexternal@pudm.org

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Major:  Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine (Biology Minor and Chemistry Minor)

Previous PUDM Involvement: 2018: Morale Champion, 2019: Morale Conductor, 2020: Campus Relations Athletics Outreach Chair

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I started participating in Dance Marathon in High School for my Grandma who passed away from breast cancer and then decided to keep fighting for cause at Purdue with PUDM not only for my grandma bu also for all the kids who have such bright and promising futures ahead. I come back each year because I know first hand what it is like to lose someone you love to cancer and I can’t image going through that with your child, sibling, friend, classmate. I see how positively what we do impacts the kids at Riley Hospital for Children and there is honestly no reason to not fight for them while they are fighting so hard everyday.

What are your main duties in your position? 
In my position, my main responsibility is to organize and execute all external recruitment efforts. I work through our recruitment strategy in order to find the best way to recruit campus and to make the surrounding community aware of who we are and what we do. I also oversee all social media and promotional material that PUDM puts out. I oversee a team of 5 amazing execs in our efforts to recruit people and to raise awareness for PUDM and our cause.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite memory is hands down the 2018 Riley Kid Talent Show. Watching Addison belt out Fight Song on the main stage was truly the most moving performance of the night. It really brought to light how much these children were going through simply to live their lives. I have never felt as connected with the cause as I did in the moment.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Spinosaurus because they can swim and I can not.

Favorite Quote

“Be yourself and have fun with your life.” – JoJo Siwa
Lauren Kuhl

Lauren Kuhl

VP Internal

Email: vpinternal@pudm.org

Hometown: Warsaw, IN

Major: Nursing

Previous PUDM Involvement: 2018 Morale Champion

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined Purdue University Dance Marathon because Riley Hospital has always been a big part of my life as my brother is a Riley kid himself. I continue to do PUDM because of the amazing and persevering families that I have met along the way. These families continue to inspire me everyday. I’ve also gotten close with one of our Legacy Families, the Romine Family, who encouraged me to sign up for Be the Match. Because of John and the legacy he has left, I continue to fight for the kids at Riley so no kid and family receives a cancer diagnoses.
What are your main duties in your position? 
As VP Internal, my main duties revolve around the marathon. I work with my executives to prepare for the marathon itself, support the special events surrounding it, and to stay cause connected with our families at all times. I work with a family-focused mindset to deliver a year-round experience that is best for our members, community, and Riley Families.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My first ever bucket blitz is my favorite PUDM memory because it was then and there where I realized that I was a part of an organization that did more than raise money for Riley Hospital for Children. It was then that I found a family of supportive friends and people who encourage me to be the best person I can be.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Velociraptor because they are small, but fierce!

Favorite Quote

“Decide what you want. Believe you can have it. Believe you deserve it and believe it’s possible for you” -Jack Canfield
Bradley Nance

Bradley Nance

VP Membership

Email: vpmembership@pudm.org

Hometown: Newburgh, IN

Major: Materials Engineering

Previous PUDM Involvement: 2018: Logistics Champion, 2019: Morale Committee Member and Color Captain, and 2020: Morale Executive.

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM after being involved in my high school marathon for 4 years and hoping to find a family-like community on Purdue’s campus. Through PUDM, I know that the impact I can make on campus will reach far beyond West Lafayette and serve to better enhance the lives of children and family across Indiana and the nation.

What are your main duties in your position? 

My main duties are to oversee committee member placement and culture, as well as enhancing their experiences within PUDM. I assist with communication and engagement of all participants, team captains, and members of PUDM throughout the year. I facilitate and develop PUDM’s relationship with Riley Hospital for Children. I assist with internal, donor, alumni, and external organizational stewardship. Finally, I am constantly researching the best membership practices to implement into our organization and collaborating with other Dance Marathon programs to continually improve the experience of our members.

What is your favorite PUDM memory?

My favorite PUDM memory has been when the 2020 PUDM Executive Board volunteered to help staff the Valentine’s 5K last year in Indianapolis which was in benefit of Riley Children’s Foundation.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Rats because who doesn’t love a rat?

Favorite Quote

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why you were born”
Jill Kissinger

Jill Kissinger

VP Finance

Email: vpfinance@pudm.org

Hometown: Goshen, IN

Major: Design & Construction Integration

Previous PUDM Involvement: 2018 Campus Relations Committee Champion, 2019 Special Events Chair, 2020 Morale Membership Engagement Chair

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I became a part of Purdue University Dance Marathon because I wanted to be apart of something much bigger than myself. Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals have impacts on so many lives on the people you meet everyday. It’s so beautiful to see all these people come together for the kids and grow as individuals all at the same time.

What are your main duties in your position? 
There are many different facets of the role of Vice President of Finance. I have the opportunity to oversee 5 Executives, 13 Chairs, and over 100 Committee Members. In addition to this I am in charge of managing the organization’s expenses and budget, as well as tracking and processing over $1,000,000 donated to Riley Hospital for Children annually. To reach our fundraising potential I develop year-long fundraising strategies alongside my Fundraising Executive.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory is more of a feeling. It’s the moment right after the total goes up and you can feel the emotion of pure joy escalate through everyone in the room. You can’t help, but just cry tears of happiness and hold tight to those around you after seeing what you all just accomplished together for the kids.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Mini triceratops

Favorite Quote

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams

External

Danielle Olson

Danielle Olson

Productions Media

Email: media@pudm.org

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Major: Special Education: Mild and Intense

Previous PUDM Involvement: I was a member of Western Illinois’ Dance Marathon as a participant in 2018, I was the Public Relations Executive for Western Illinois Dance Marathon in 2019, I was a Special Events Champion for PUDM in fall of 2020, and I am currently the Productions Media Executive for PUDM 2021!

Why did you want to be an executive? 

My nana passed away from cancer in fall of 2019 and my mom’s best friend currently has breast cancer, and I have seen how negatively cancer can affect families. I continue to be a part of PUDM because I don’t want any family to have to feel the way my family and so many other families feel when they lose someone they love to cancer, and so I do as much as I can for PUDM everyday to make more childhoods and more happy families.

What are your main duties in your position? 

I create videos for any special events, fundraising push days, important PUDM moments, and I help many of the videos for the marathon (including the final video). I manage the website and update it as needed, and I manage photography for any graphics or other PUDM related activities that require photos. I also help run the Productions Committee with the Productions Design Executive.

What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
Getting to watch the livestream of the marathon in 2020 and crying when they did the virtual final total reveal.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

A stegosaurus bc they have cool spikes down their back. Also they eat plants and meat which is cool.

Favorite Quote

“It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.” -Walt Disney
Productions Media

Productions Media

Emily Muller

Emily Muller

Productions Design

Email: design@pudm.org

Hometown: Plainfield, IN

Major: Visual Communication Design + Public Relations and Strategic Communication

Previous PUDM Involvement:

Productions Committee Member (2018), Productions Conductor (2019), Content Creation Chair (2020)
Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined PUDM to combine my passion for the kids and graphic design! I continue to be a part of PUDM because I love seeing the impact we are able to make every year. I also wanted to help others find and grow their passion for the organization.
What are your main duties in your position? 
Productions Design duties consist of creating the graphics and flyers for all PUDM events, designing and organizing merchandise, and design graphics for social media platforms. I am also co-responsible for holding committee meetings for the Productions committee.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite memory in PUDM has been Bucket Blitz. I have loved getting to know my committee every year, and Bucket Blitz is always a great way to do so!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

There’s one at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and her name was Emily. 🙂

Favorite Quote

“Venture outside your comfort zone. The rewards are worth it.” -Rapunzel, Tangled

Productions Design

Productions Design

Will Napier

Will Napier

Public Relations

Email: pr@pudm.org

Hometown: Seattle, Wa

Major: Industrial Engineering

Previous PUDM Involvement:

I started as a Fundraising committee member as a champion in 2018, then I was an FSCL committee member in 2019, next I was the Team Captain Relations chair under Participant Communications in 2020, and now I am the Public Relations executive.

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM because of my friend Jackson Otto who told me I needed to join when I met him my freshman year. Since joining, I’ve continued to meet more amazing people like Jackson who all inspire me to be the version of my self. I have always loved the people of the organization, but the more I get involved the more I love the cause too.

What are your main duties in your position? 
I oversee the PUDM social media accounts, year-round recruitment, and all interactions with media.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory is also my most bittersweet. It was during Dream Big at the 2019 marathon when after the senior send off which included all of the people who got me involved in the first place. It was very emotional and needless to say, there were lots of tears.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

The titanosaur because it’s the biggest dinosaur in existence.

Favorite Quote

“And why do we fall, Bruce? So that we can learn to pick ourselves back up” -Thomas Wayne. I love this quote because I think it’s really important to rebound from any difficulties in our lives and learn from them.
Public Relations

Public Relations

Basie Andoh

Basie Andoh

FSCL Outreach

Email: fscloutreach@pudm.org

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Major: Construction Engineering and Management

Previous PUDM Involvement: In 2018, I was a participant on the Alpha Tau Omega Team. Then, in 2019 I was a morale committee member and captain of the Alpha Tau Omega Team. Then in 2020, I was the outreach chair of the Fraternity, Sorority, and Cooperative Life Committee. And now, I am the FSCL Outreach Executive!!

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined PUDM as a way to bond with my fraternity brothers. Now, my love for the organization has grown, and I dance because I want to support every family who has had to deal with the effects of cancer on a loved one.
What are your main duties in your position? 
I work to recruit and engage the Purdue Greek community into our marathon. I email chapter presidents about upcoming events, I run committee meetings with members from all different parts of Greek life on campus, and I help plan Greek specific events to support the community.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite memory is winning the Team Captain of the Year award at the 2019 marathon. I was so surprised, but also, so happy that all the work I had done to engage my house throughout the year had been noticed and appreciated.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

T-Rexes because they are cool.

Favorite Quote

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all” -Helen Keller
FSCL Outreach

FSCL Outreach

Joel Alvarez

Joel Alvarez

Campus Relations

Email: campusrelations@pudm.org

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Major: Nursing

Previous PUDM Involvement: PUDM 2018 Morale Committee Member, PUDM 2019 Morale Color Captain, and PUDM 2020 Student Life Outreach Chair

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM as a freshman because I was passionate about our philanthropy and because I knew that it was an amazing opportunity to make new friends. Since then my passion for the kids has grown immensely and I am reminded every day of why I do what I do. Along the way I have met an amazing group of people that support me and uplift me. PUDM has changed my life for the better, and I can only hope that through my efforts I can make a fraction of the difference.

What are your main duties in your position? 

As the Campus Relations Executive I am responsible for maintaining external relationships for PUDM. This includes but is not limited to student organizations, resource centers, athletics teams, residential life, international organizations, and multicultural centers. Throughout the year I am the point of contact for these organizations and connecting them to our organization.

What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory is the Riley Kid Talent show from PUDM 2018. I specifically remember that one of our Riley kids performed “baby shark” for the first time this year. It was a favorite among the crowd and was the perfect way to uplift the crowd as the marathon was going on.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

stegosaurus! They are so cute! They have relatively small heads in comparison to their bodies! They have smaller front legs and longer hind legs which is so adorable!

Favorite Quote

“I wish I would have lived a life more true to myself, not the life that other expected of me.” This quote was told to me by one of my patients during one of my clinical rotations. This individual reminded me that it’s essential for us to fill our lives with people and experiences that add value to it and that are important to YOU.
Campus Relations

Campus Relations

Finance

Sophia Palant

Sophia Palant

Sponsorship Monetary

Email: monetary@pudm.org

Hometown: Los Altos, CA

Major: Pharmacy

Previous PUDM Involvement: Participant, 2018 ; Sponsorships Committee Member, 2019 ; Sponsorships Strategy Chair, 2020 ; Sponsorships Monetary Executive, 2021

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I truly believe that every kid has the possibility to change the world, and as a member of PUDM, I am able to empower each kid at Riley. By supporting Riley Hospital for Children, and CMN as a whole, I am showing each kid and each family that they are not fighting alone.
What are your main duties in your position? 
As the Sponsorships Monetary Executive, I am responsible for maintaining and building on relationships with corporate donors around the Indiana region. I lead a committee with my co-executive, David Marchal, on a weekly basis that focuses on educating committee members on how the corporate donation and in-kind donation process works.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory is the total reveal for Day of Miracles 2020. The record breaking total that we raised that day was enough to bring me to tears and convince me that this organization was truly something special. To be surrounded by so many passionate individuals fighting for such an incredible cause, is a feeling like no other.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Brachiosaurus

Favorite Quote

“Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things” – Robert Breault
Sponsorship Monetary

Sponsorship Monetary

Christopher Priebe

Christopher Priebe

Fundraising

Email: fundraising@pudm.org

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Major: Electrical Engineering

Previous PUDM Involvement: FSCL Champion, Morale Committee Member, Morale Color Captain

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM because I wanted to give back to others and be a part of something bigger than myself.

What are your main duties in your position? 
I plan all of the fundraising push days like Day of Miracles and 100 Days along with curating all fundraising resources for members of PUDM and educating our organization on correct fundraising practices.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
March 2020 Bucket Blitz in Monument Circle

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Velociraptor because it is super smart and also pretty much the protagonist of Jurassic Park.

Favorite Quote

Life begins when your comfort zone ends.

Fundraising

Fundraising

Sydney Clifford

Sydney Clifford

High School Marathon Relations

Email: hsrelations@pudm.org

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Major: Microbiology

Previous PUDM Involvement: Team Captain for Honors College (Team Captain of the Year 2020), Productions Champion 2020

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined PUDM because I had been involved in my high school’s Dance Marathon, and I have continued to fall in love with this organization and this cause. I continue to be a part of PUDM because I want to help every kid who goes into Riley Hospital to continue to be a kid and because I want to help support the researchers at Riley to be able to find cures.
What are your main duties in your position? 
As the High School Marathon Relations executive, I am responsible for coordinating with our high school marathon advisors and leaders and supporting them in putting on their Riley Dance Marathons. Examples of this support includes finding Riley families to speak at their marathon, providing fundraising ideas, and a physical presence at their Dance Marathon to help their event run smoothly.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory has been Day of Miracles 2020! I loved being able to fundraise and connect with my committee throughout the day. Most of all, I felt so connected to the cause by being one of the top fundraisers for our recording-breaking DoM!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Triceratops!

Favorite Quote

sisu – Finnish word for “strength” and “perseverance”
High School Marathon Relations

High School Marathon Relations

David Marchal

David Marchal

Sponsorship In-kind

Email: inkind@pudm.org

Hometown: McCordsville, IN

Major: Mechanical Engineering Technology

Previous PUDM Involvement:

My freshman year I was a committee member for sponsorships in the fall then I became the sponsorships in-kind strategy chair for the 2020 marathon. I decided I wanted to become more involved in PUDM and decided to become the sponsorships in-kind exec!

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM for my friend Ali Klein who lost her baby brother Jack due to Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Seeing her and her family desvistated by the loss of their son, brother, and best friend made me want to spread awareness and raise funds for not only Riley Hospital for Children but for pederatric cancer research altogether so that no one has to lose a loved one especially as such a young age.

What are your main duties in your position? 
As the Sponsorships In-Kind Executive, some of my responsibilities include reaching out to businesses asking for donations that can be used during the marathon itself, used to steward members or donors, as well as setting up the hospitality gym in the Purdue Co-Rec to hold all the food for everyone at the marathon.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite memory has to be going to bucket blitz pre covid. It was such a good time and a really great way to get to know everyone in PUDM better as well as fundraising and answering any questions that people walking by might have!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

My favorite dinosaur is the ankylosaurus because of its club-like tail that was used to defend itself from large carnivores.

Favorite Quote

“I didn’t come this far to only come this far.”
Kristen Ferguson

Kristen Ferguson

Accounting

Email: accounting@pudm.org

Hometown: Terre Haute, IN

Major: Mathematics Education

Previous PUDM Involvement: Participant 2018, Public Relations Committee Member 2019, Accounting Chair 2020

 

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined PUDM as a Freshman because I was so inspired by Tyler Trent’s story and I knew it would be an amazing way to meet new friends! I continue to be a part of PUDM because of all of the wonderful people I have met in the last 3 years. Hearing everyone’s reasonings for getting involved and hearing the Riley family stories have continuously motivated me to push myself further and further within this organization!
What are your main duties in your position? 

I am in charge of securing all locations for cannings (from weekly local cannings to Bucket Blitz). I also ensure that people who work shifts are credited for their work. I’m creating as many opportunities for collecting money and fundraising locally and regionally as possible, especially given COVID-19 restrictions. I also work with SAO to ensure that everyone in the organization is being safe, and I oversee three chairs that help me out when needed!

What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory was PUDM 2020. All of Executive Board was stuck in one room and the chairs were responsible for organizing and executing events for committee members. Seeing us all come together as chairs and help each other out was such an amazing experience and I couldn’t think of a better way to end such a tough year!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

t rex because i am basic

Favorite Quote

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good that overwhelm the world.”
Accounting

Accounting

Internal

Jackson Arnett

Jackson Arnett

Logistics

Email: logistics@pudm.org

Hometown: Fishers, IN

Major: Health Sciences

Previous PUDM Involvement:

2019 Marathon: Participant

Why did you want to be an executive? 

Honestly when I signed up to be a participant for PUDM 2019 I didn’t really know what PUDM was, but after I made it through that 18 hour marathon I knew it would be something that I would want to be apart of for the rest of college. That’s when I decided to apply to be a CM to get more involved and now I am humbled to be an exec for this amazing organization.

What are your main duties in your position? 

I am responsible for the layout of the marathon as well as the booking of entertainment acts to participate in the marathon. I am also responsible for maintaining security at the marathon and assisting VP Internal with creating a timeline for the marathon.

What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory was at the 2019 marathon when we all got to see the final reveal and the organization had raised over 1 million dollars which was amazing!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

The ones from Dragon Tales

Favorite Quote

I think a word that would describe my life is elaborate. This is just because I feel that I am very involved with school, my fraternity house, PUDM, and my job at the Co-Rec!
Logistics

Logistics

Olivia Coughlin

Olivia Coughlin

Morale

Email: morale@pudm.org

Hometown: Granger, IN

Major: Brain and Behavioral Science

Previous PUDM Involvement:

Morale Champion 2019, Morale Management Chair 2020
Why did you want to be an executive? 
I participated in DM in high school and loved having the opportunity to meet our Riley families and see the impact we had on Riley. I was so excited to be able to continue supporting our Riley kids on Purdue’s campus and have fallen deeper in love with this organization every year that I’ve been apart of it! Being able to meet and work alongside so many inspiring, dedicated people has been the most amazing experience!
What are your main duties in your position? 
As the Morale Executive I work alongside my chairs to lead our Morale committee members throughout the year. Together we train our Color Captains to guide committees around our marathon, inspire our committee members to encourage and provide support for all of our participants, and choreograph our line dance! I’ll also be responsible for creating our 2021 Morale Mix!
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory would be our Bucket Blitz in March of 2020. This was our first big opportunity to bond as a committee and I had the chance to get to know so many Moralers while we canned in downtown Indianapolis!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

My favorite dinosaur would have to be a pterodactyl. A flying dinosaur? I can’t think of anything better!

Favorite Quote

“Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg

This quote perfectly encapsulates how I’ve tried to make an impact on PUDM. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to support this cause alongside so many incredible students!

Morale

Morale

David Flickner

David Flickner

Riley Relations

Email: rileyrelations@pudm.org

Hometown: Zionsville, Indiana

Major: Nursing

Previous PUDM Involvement:

For my first two marathons I was a Riley Relations Committee Member, and last year I was a chair on the FSCL committee
Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM to raise awareness and money for each and every patient at Riley. Every family I have met through Dance Marathon motivates me to continue my efforts, and makes me so proud to be part of this organization.

What are your main duties in your position? 
Riley Relations has the pleasure of developing relationships with all of the amazing Riley families involved in PUDM, and putting on various exciting events throughout the semester to hang out and spend time with them.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memories have to be playing different games on Krach Lawn with the families, and of course, the famous Riley Kid Talent Show at the marathon!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

the one from jurassic park rawr

Favorite Quote

 “I am not invincible, I know that now. This reminder won’t stop me.” – Audrey Lupton
Riley Relations

Riley Relations

Charlotte Huff

Charlotte Huff

Special Events

Email: specialevents@pudm.org

Hometown: Tipton, IN

Major: Chemistry

Previous PUDM Involvement: Participant in 2018, Morale Committee Member in 2019, a Fundraising Conductor and a Team Captain for PUDM 2020!!

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM from a flyer handed to me in the Windsor dining court! I had heard of dance marathons before but my school didn’t have it. I continue to be apart of PUDM because it feels like a family. After attending the marathon as a participant in 2018, I immediately wanted to be more involved and do more for Riley Hospital for Children. Hearing the Riley Kid stories at the marathon and seeing first hand how Riley Hospital for Children has helped them keeps me wanting to do more through PUDM.

What are your main duties in your position? 
My position is planning out and executing PUDM events on campus! These events can range from recruitment events, to fundraising events, to committee/participant bonding events, and many more! I’m also the exec for the Special Events committee where I host weekly meetings to build committee culture and engagement!
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory was during my freshmen year when me and my friends would stretch in between rotations to power through. I had these BRIGHT blue crocs that were a fashion showstopper but became an eye catch in all my PUDM pictures. Shortly after I learned how to play cornhole for the first time, despite living in Indiana most of my life…

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

My favorite dinosaur is the stegosaurus!!! I would always draw them on my papers in middle school when I was bored during class and I just love it’s sloping body. I’ve also crocheted three stegosaurus’s and I’ve loved how they turned out every time!

Favorite Quote

“Life is a beautiful thing” -Frank Sinatra. Honestly this is my favorite quote and I love my life by it! I’ve always told others “life gives me the hard moments because it knows I can handle it.” No matter how hard life I always try to remember that life is beautiful! And it’s best to just try and stay positive 🙂
Special Events

Special Events

Membership

Madalyn Jacobs

Madalyn Jacobs

Participant Communication

Email: communications@pudm.org

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Major: Elementary Education

Previous PUDM Involvement: Participant, Special Events Champion, Participant Communications Executive

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM because so many people that I personally know have been positively affected by the doctors and specialists at Riley. By becoming more involved, I have been able to have more of a direct impact on the organization.

What are your main duties in your position?

In my position, I handle all communication between participants and team captains. I make sure that they are prepared and know everything they need to know before the marathon.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory was becoming a conductor and helping new committee members feel welcomed to the organization.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

My favorite dinosaur is a Triceratops because they have three horns.

Favorite Quote

“Try to be a rainbow in somebody’s cloud.” -Maya Angelou
This is my favorite quote because you never know the difference that you can make in someone’s life by being a friendly face.
Participant Communication

Participant Communication

Hannah Williams

Hannah Williams

Development

Email: development@pudm.org

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Major: Biochemistry Honors

Previous PUDM Involvement: 2018 Participant, 2019 FSCL Committee Member & Phi Sigma Rho Team Captain, 2020 Internal Stewardship Chair

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I joined PUDM to continue working towards bettering pediatric healthcare during my time at Purdue and spend time with students with similar passions.

What are your main duties in your position? 
Development involves growing our organization by bettering our members. I provide resources for member engagement, coordinating the Miracle Maker Messenger, managing the Champion and Conductor Program, promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, and fostering our budding Hospital Relations program.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 
My favorite PUDM memory was Day of Miracles in 2020. I was not allowed to attend reveal due to COVID restrictions, so I waited around on my hammock on campus so I could be near everyone around the time of reveal. It was a record breaking day showing how hard we work For The Kids every day!

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

brachiosaurus, they seem nice

Favorite Quote

“Comparison is the thief of joy” We all do our bests, and our best is what the world needs!
Development

Development

Lizzie Riley

Lizzie Riley

Internal Stewardship

Email: internalstewardship@pudm.org

Hometown: Indianapolis, IN

Major: Pharmacy

Previous PUDM Involvement: Public Relations committee member in 2017, Public Relations conductor in 2018, Productions committee member in 2019, On-Campus Strategy Chair in 2020

Why did you want to be an executive? 

I was involved in dance marathon in high school, and I have felt a connection to the cause ever since! Everyone in the organization carries a strong passion, and it is contagious. Whenever I am having a bad day, all I need to do is surround myself with PUDM people to start feeling better.

What are your main duties in your position? 
To put it simply, my job is to make everyone in the organization feel important! My chairs and I come up with ways to steward all levels of PUDM and groups who work with PUDM.
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 

My favorite PUDM memory is a Bucket Blitz retreat in 2018! We spent the night at someone’s cabin that had no heating so we spent the majority of the night bonding outside by the fire pit.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Brachiosaurus because I was obsessed with Land Before Time as a child, and the main dinosaur character is a brachiosaurus.

Favorite Quote

“Smile at strangers and you just might change a life.”- Steve Maraboli
Internal Stewardship

Internal Stewardship

Rachel Tat

Rachel Tat

External Stewardship

Email: externalstewardship@pudm.org

Hometown: Noblesville, IN

Major: Biochemistry (Chemistry-ACS)

Previous PUDM Involvement: I was a participant in 2018, Morale committee member in 2019, and the Community Strategy Chair for PR in 2020!

Why did you want to be an executive? 
I joined PUDM because my older brother did when he was at Purdue and I saw him have so much fun with it. I continue to be a part of PUDM because I have made so many inspiring friends and our cause really resonates with me because I aspire to do scientific research myself! I have grown so much with PUDM and I want to do whatever I can FTK.
What are your main duties in your position? 
My main responsibilities are to research and implement the best stewardship practices to make sure our donors and alumni feel appreciated and engaged. You’ll find me sending a lot of emails and writing a lot of thank you notes! My service is more behind the scenes, but our organization would not be as special as it is without the support from our donors and the alumni that have paved the way for us, and I make sure that they know how grateful we are!
What is your favorite PUDM memory? 

Total reveal on Day of Miracles 2020 because even though that year was far from normal, we still came together to have a fun and record-breaking day! It really put into perspective the potential we have and all the miracles we will make, despite any obstacles in our way.

What is your favorite dinosaur and why?

Pterodactyl because it’s spelling is so funny

Favorite Quote

“Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.” – Pope John XXIII
External Stewardship

External Stewardship