About Us

Our Mission

Our mission statement explains that we are an active and energetic young group of republicans from a variety of majors and walks of life looking to support and aid in the election of republican candidates.

The Executive Team

Our executive committee is made up of 9 individuals, elected per the guidelines of the constitution. This committee is elected every November and is what directs the club. Each individual has their own unique responsibilities that they are in charge of, yet they are not completely alone. There is overlap in tasks, and working with committees made up of the general membership is also crucial. The IUGOP is a collaborative group that involves every member whenever possible.

Listed below are our current executives and directors for the 2012-2013 term. Click on a name to see more about them!

Daniel Cheesman
Chairman

Daniel is a junior from Muncie, IN. Daniel is double majoring in Political Science and American History. Daniel’s interest in politics began in middle school and developed through out high school, participating in local campaigns, school-wide debates and volunteering at the office of Congressman Mike Pence. Daniel has been the External Vice-Chair for IU College Republicans since second semester of his freshman year. Going beyond politics, Daniel likes to relax and read up on what is happening in the automotive world, socializing with friends, IU Basketball and keeping up with his family. Looking forward, he is ready to combat the strong left opposition in Bloomington this fall for victories in the city, state and White House! Go Hoosiers!

Kristen Cobb
External Vice-Chairwoman

Kristen is a junior from Indianapolis, IN. Kristen’s major is Marketing at the Kelley School of Business, and her minor is Informatics. Kristen has been interested in politics since middle school when she and her dad watched “Meet the Press” Sunday mornings. Since then, Kristen has found inspiration and guidance from researching her political heroes Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson, and Barry Goldwater. Kristen has been active in IUCR’s since fall 2011 and is passionate about reducing the size of government. Outside of politics, Kristen enjoys writing, reading, and traveling. In addition to College Republicans, Kristen participates in the American Marketing Association.

Jeff Willenzik
Internal Vice-Chairman

Jeff Willenzik is a sophomore Kelley Student from the “last great bastion of conservatism”, Texas, majoring in Finance, Accounting, and Economic Consulting, along with a minor in folklore. His conservative roots were planted as a young child growing up under the gubernatorial watch of George W. Bush and Rick Perry. Jeff’s policy interests mainly include the role that government can play in the prosperity of the financial services industry, as well as public education. While he spends a great deal of time being on the CR Exec-board, he also holds leadership positions in the Kelley Living-Learning Center, Kelley Student Government, and is the Co-Founder of The Wall Street Journal Society.

Shelby Truitt
Secretary

Shelby is a sophomore from Lebanon, IN. Shelby’s majors are Arabic and Political Science. She is also obtaining a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Political and Civic Engagement. Shelby has been interested in politics since middle school and has enjoyed being able to get involved in politics during College. Marco Rubio is her role model when it comes to what direction the country should be headed. She recently started the Young Americans for Freedom chapter at IU. In her free time she enjoys writing, traveling, IU basketball games, and going to the movies.

Michael Lakes
Treasurer

Michael is a sophomore from Connersville, Indiana, majoring in management through SPEA and minoring in sociology. Michael first became intrested in politics during the 2008 elections. He later interned at the Connersville Mayors office and has actively supported the GOP and the pursuit of smaller government ever since. Outside of politics Michael enjoys watching IU athletics, reading, and spending time with friends.

Nick Espevik
Technology Director

Nick is currently a sophomore intending to major in Informatics. Originally from Chicago, and then the Chicago suburbs, Nick sought out Indiana University for a variety of exciting reasons. The main factors were the business school and campus setting. He started to really gain interest in politics in high school, especially around the 2008 election season. Ever since he has been keeping up with current issues; and, upon arriving to IU, he joined the CRs to help promote the republican cause. Mixing his passion and background of technology with his political inclination, Nick hopes to help keep the CRs widely known and accessible around the campus, state, and nation.

Press Secretary
Lindsey Ellington

Lindsey is a sophomore majoring in Economic Consulting and Finance with minors in History and Spanish. Lindsey grew up in Bloomington, IN and some of her earliest memories consist of being babysat by the IUCRs helping on her father’s campaigns. She discovered a passion for politics at a young age after attending George W. Bush’s first inauguration. Lindsey hopes to inspire other conservatives to seek change in America. In addition to her involvement with the IUCRs, Lindsey serves as the Finance Vice President of Alpha Delta Pi and the Marketing Director of Women in Business.

Matt Shute
Political Director

Matt is a 2012-2013 freshman who is currently studying Astrophysics, Economics, and Political Science. Matt first fell in love with politics in 2000, when he rooted for George W. Bush because he thought that the Texas governor’s hairdo looked better than Mr. Gore’s trademark comb-over. Ever since that year, Matt has enthusiastically kept up with the latest political news in preparation for one day making a difference himself. When he is not discussing conservatism with his lovably misguided “progressive” friends, Matt enjoys growing in Christ with his church and campus fellowship group, spending time with his family, hanging out with his friends from both Bloomington and his hometown of Schererville, Indiana, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts.

Riley Parr
Events Director

Riley is a sophomore from central Indiana, majoring in Political Science. Riley’s political interests span the spectrum—from Constitutional issues, to the economy, to immigration. In addition to having an interest in national politics, Riley has a distinct fascination with Indiana politics, and the important role states play in our political system.

Social Director
On November 4th, 2012, the 13th IUGOP Executive Board voted to amend the constitution of the College Republicans at Indiana University. The amendment reduced the number of total executives from 10 to 9 by merging the Social Director position into the Events Director position. As a result, the position of Social Director no longer exists. Please refer any social-related inquiries to the Events Director.