Marquette University’s Graduate Student Organization (GSO) welcomes its five-member Executive Board for the 2026-27 academic year, bringing together graduate student leaders committed to supporting and strengthening the graduate student experience.
The GSO represents students across Marquette’s graduate and professional programs and serves as a liaison between students and university administration. The organization consists of a student-body-elected Executive Board and Council representatives, who serve on behalf of academic programs and university committees. Together, they help bring student perspectives, concerns and ideas to university leaders and support communication across the graduate student community. All graduate and professional students are members and encouraged to attend events and monthly GSO meetings, where they can share ideas and concerns, vote on issues and receive updates related to graduate student life.
The 2026-27 Executive Board includes returning and new leaders:
Sumaiya Chowdhury, a Ph.D. candidate in biological sciences, is serving a second term as president.
Tamila Kuanysheva, a chemistry Ph.D. candidate, is serving a second term as vice president.
Natalie Worzalla, a first-year master’s student in clinical mental health counseling, is serving as community engagement officer.
Lila Metko, a neuroscience Ph.D. candidate, is serving as communications officer.
Chimobi Chikwendu, a fourth-year biological sciences Ph.D. candidate, is serving as logistics officer.
Together, the board oversees the GSO’s advocacy, communications, event planning, operations and community engagement efforts throughout the academic year.
The GSO kicked-off the fall semester with a welcome back social at the Union Sports Annex on Friday, September 11, 2026 that was well attended, and they have several more events planned that give graduate students opportunities to meet peers, build community and become more involved on campus.
Upcoming events include:
All-Council Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Online via Microsoft Teams
Town Hall No. 1
Friday, Sept. 25, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Online via Microsoft Teams
Game Night
Friday, Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wellness & Recreation Center
Service Event with Iggy’s Market
Friday, Oct. 2, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Holthusen Hall, first floor
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Fiserv Forum
Additional events will be announced throughout the semester. Students can check the GSO events webpage for more details and updates.
For more information or to contact the GSO, students can email GSO@marquette.edu or submit feedback through the GSO Anonymous Feedback Form.
