Ladies of UPC

The University Programming Council, UPC, has been around for years, and during their time they have created over a hundred events for students to enjoy from simple poster sales to comedy shows and movie nights. UPC includes 21 members, 15 of which are females. Some may say it is a rarity for an organization that is not a sorority to have such a huge female presence.

The council is broken down into 4 sections: the executive board, board of marketing, board of operations, and the programming committee. The president of UPC is Gabrielle (Gabby) Cousino, a Mass Communication major with a focus in Event Planning and a minor in Leadership and Communication Studies. Cousino is also a Bobcat Ambassador, among other things.

Gabby and senior Jasmine Branch, Vice President of Retention, Operations and Finance are both sisters of Delta Zeta Sorority. Branch holds a somewhat motherly role in that she keeps track of everyone’s office logs and delegates tasks to the subcommittees.  She says that though it is sometimes hard programming events for such a mass majority of students it helps to have such a supportive team by her side. Even outside of the office Jasmine brags that UPC is like family, and when in doubt they are always there for one another.

Even those who do not plan on entering careers that deal with event planning feel they have gained great qualities from UPC. Laura Akindo, an Earth Science major with a concentration in Environmental Science, says UPC taught her how to be more open minded. This trait, she says, is one that anyone going into geography or environmental science should posses because it is the only way they will be able to find solutions to fix all the damages and changes that we have caused on the planet.

Overall, UPC is an organization that prides themselves of their ability to work together and with others. Their motto Leaving Our Mark One Event at a Time is one they live by, a shared vision for every member of the team. The day of the event is the most stressful and the most satisfying part of the job. “I am always very proud when I attend or work an event and see students enjoying themselves and the lasting impressions on the students because I know how much time and effort my coworkers and I put into the event” said Akindo.

Advice from Imani Martin, Assistant Head Director of Late at Lane and Variety Acts: “Be strong and humble. Be willing to receive criticism. Do not feel discouraged if you have to go back to the drawing board. Most importantly, join something you have passion in, that you will give your all in.”

“Don’t feel as if you are at a disadvantage. Our bosses love the creative ideas that flow from women and like to empower us to understand that we have a voice” said Events Coordinator, Courtney Young, on her advice to females interested in working with UPC.

For those who may be inquiring about a position within the University Programming council, they hold weekly general body meetings on Monday at 7pm in the Atkinson room. It is also encouraged to speak with Robert Cooper or Kyrie Kirn.