The senior class officers comprise two elected officers, the president and vice president, and five selected positions: communications; diversity, equity, and inclusion; engagement; events; and philanthropy. Elections and interviews took place in the spring semester prior to the beginning of their service in the fall of their senior year.
Part of Student Affairs, the officers also partner with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA) and the Office of the Chancellor. The senior class officers assist with the planning of winter and spring commencement as well as senior social events.
Upcoming SCO Events
Caps & Conversations (Drop-In Event): May 1, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Memorial Union (Lower Level); Wheelhouse Studios
Seniors will have an opportunity to decorate their graduation caps while engaging in facilitated discussions centering the anxieties of change and transition.
Learn more about the Senior Class Office
Gifts and Gear
Class of 2025 Gift
Promote, Protect and Restore Health & Wellbeing
The class of 2025 knows how important mental health services and wellbeing programing are to all UW students. This year, the class has chosen University Health Services; Mental Health Services; programming specifically for senior students as the 2025 Class Gift. The gift is focused on access for all seniors with the vision that all Badgers transition into alumni hood flourishing in a pluralism society, living out the Wisconsin Idea.
Badger Doodles 2025 Graduation T-Shirt Preorder
To receive your shirt by graduation, please place your order from the University Book Store by April 1. $2 from each sale of this shirt will be donated to the Senior Class Gift.
Senior Class Officers
Sam Mahlum, President
From Germantown, Wisconsin, Sam did not travel far to join the Class of 2025 at UW–Madison. Sam participated on the Badger Powerlifting team and held a board position on Medlife that prepared her for the senior class president position. She sought to bring events to campus that fostered a memorable and impactful senior year. Professionally, Sam worked as a CNA at UW Health and on the Brain, Behavior, and Wellbeing research team, presenting at the 2024 student research symposium. Sam is earning a biochemistry degree with a certificate in athletic healthcare and is preparing for a master’s program in anesthesiology assistance. As senior class president, she is serving as the student speaker for the spring commencement ceremony at Camp Randall Stadium.
Shelby Olson, Vice President
A third-generation Badger from the Twin Cities, Shelby always aspired to be a part of the UW–Madison community. She began her journey by joining campus organizations including Wisconsin Wellness and Medlife. Fueled with the desire to learn, she majored in biology and psychology with a certificate in criminal justice. She plans to pursue medical school. Passionate about research, she was a Hilldale Research Fellow investigating stress resilience. Outside of campus, Shelby volunteers at Meriter, UW Health, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Understanding mental health struggles, she sought to provide camaraderie and support for all students during the difficult transition to life after college.
Logan Anderson, Communications Director
From the shores of Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Madison’s isthmus, Logan was thrilled to be a first-generation Badger. His excitement over campus life only grew with his involvement. He pursued majors in legal studies and education studies, along with a certificate in criminal justice. His fervent interest in law led him to be a member of the Pre-Law Society and intern in the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Logan chaired the Dean of Students Advisory Board, seeking to represent the student body and improve student life. His biggest goal was to involve and utilize seniors’ wisdom to ensure everyone had the best Wisconsin Experience possible.
Dana Tabaza, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director
A recent immigrant to the United States, Dana is a proud Palestinian-Jordanian and a first-generation college student. She majored in industrial engineering and data science, with certificates in computer science, business, and international engineering. Dana found her home interning at the Multicultural Student Center, where she supported advocacy and programming across the four identity centers as well as pioneered MENA cultural programming. Dana also served on the executive boards of Amnesty International, the Muslim Student Association, and the Industrial Engineering Task Force, and she served as an ESL Intern at Madison’s Literacy Network. As DEI director, Dana dedicated herself to amplifying, connecting, and resourcing marginalized voices, empowering them to take up space unapologetically wherever they are.
Helen Simpson, Engagement Director
Hailing from the small town of Menomonie, Wisconsin, Helen understands the importance of a strong community. These values have led her down the path of public service, majoring in political science and legal studies with certificates in public policy and gender and women’s studies. Helen was involved in undergraduate research and was a member of the UW chapter of Camp Kesem. Politically engaged, she has interned with the Wisconsin Legislature and the Democratic National Committee. As engagement director, Helen worked to ensure campus is a space where all students feel valued and to uplift the voices of the vibrant senior class.
Deanna Hebbring, Events Director
Originally from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Deanna immersed herself in campus life at every turn. Being a first-generation college student studying kinesiology, Deanna stayed active in various activities, both on and off campus. Within the Badger community, Deanna served as an executive board member of Alpha Phi Omega, contributed as an undergraduate research assistant, worked as a late-night coordinator with University Housing, and volunteered in the Adapted Fitness Program. After graduation, Deanna will attend the UW–Madison Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, where she hopes to support and empower individuals in achieving their physical goals and enhancing their overall quality of life.
Veronica Goveas, Philanthropy Director
From Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Veronica majored in biology with certificates in biocore and global health. Aspiring to a career in medicine and public health, she is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and community well-being. As philanthropy director, Veronica fostered a spirit of giving and created impactful opportunities for her peers. She was involved with the inpatient psychiatric unit at UW Health and was a Hilldale Research Fellow, working on cutting-edge research exploring exercise and neurotrophic factors in Parkinson’s disease. Veronica aimed to ensure that the Class of 2025 is remembered for its compassion, generosity, and commitment to positive change.