Graduate Student Government
The Voice of the Graduate Student Body
The Graduate Student Government is a council of all the Graduate Student Associations (GSAs) at the University of Denver.
The GSG has two goals at the University:
- One is to foster a sense of community among the graduate students.
- The other to represent that community and its interests at DU.
GSG is the DU graduate community's representative student government body. As YOUR representative, we are here to serve YOU and advocate for YOUR interests and concerns.
Our Constitution and Bylaws
Student Activity Fee Resolution
Executive Board 2026-2027
President | Perry Ragouzis
Perry Ragouzis is completing his third year as a dual-degree MPP and J D candidate at DU. Born and raised in Colorado, and after briefly studying in Vermont throughout undergrad, he is excited to return home completing his studies at the University of Denver.
With relevant experience in student governance and civic leadership
capacities, he is excited to b e working alongside a n excellent executive board on the Graduate Student Government for the upcoming academic year, and encourages any students interested in working with the GSG to reach out with any questions, insights, or work related to the GSG and its mission.
Vice President | Emely Mier
Emely Mier is currently a master's student at the Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs.
Emely is pursuing a degree in International Security. Originally from a small beach town called Navarre, Florida, she developed an early interest in global affairs, and the role policy plays in shaping communities and international outcomes.
Outside of school, Emely enjoys hiking, going to the movies, and exploring new places, especially around Denver's food and arts scene!
Director of Student Groups | Johanna Garcia-Macias
Johanna Garcia-Macias is a second-year MS in Business Analytics student at the Daniels College of Business.
Originally from Colombia, where she built a career in finance and business analytics before coming to DU to pursue her master's degree.
She has always been drawn to data and technology, and equally to the people and stories behind them.
One of her favorite parts of this role is getting to connect with people, support student organizations, and help create a space where everyone feels like they belong. She genuinely enjoys bringing people together and seeing what happens when a community clicks.
Outside of school, she can often be found playing soccer, racquet sports, or board games, hiking in the mountains, or simply relaxing by a lake with friends and family.
Director of Communications | Megan Olearnick
Megan Olearnick is a second year Master's student currently pursuing her MA in International and Intercultural Communication.
As the Communications and Outreach Graduate Lead at the University of Denver's Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship
and Learning (CCESL), she blends creativity with strategy by coordinating impactful initiatives, managing digital content, and building partnerships
that matter.
Her background in digital marketing means she loves bringing ideas to life and finding fresh, engaging ways to connect people. She thrives in collaborative, dynamic spaces and always brings a positive, can-do attitude to every project.
Director of Global Affairs | Ruth Mayungu
Ruth Mayungu is originally from Nairobi, Kenya and is currently a full-time MBA student at Daniels College of Business, where she is pursuing her passion for leadership, global engagement, and meaningful impact.
With a background in Gender and Development Studies and experience in policy and research, she is passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections, empowering diverse communities, and creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can learn from and support one another. Ruth values authenticity, community, and lifelong learning.
Outside of her work and studies, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family and building meaningful relationships with those around her.
Director of Professional Development | Deborah Kyavula
Deborah is a second-year graduate student pursuing a Master o f Science in Economics. She also holds an MBA and brings a strong background in leadership, student support, and professional development. She
currently serves as a Business Operations Graduate
Lead at CCESL and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where she supports student programming, academic instruction, event coordination, and administrative operations. Her previous experience includes student
mentorship, office administration, community programming, and data analysis.
As Director of Career & Professional Development, Deborah is passionate about creating workshops, networking opportunities, and career-centered
initiatives that connect graduate students with internships, research opportunities, and long-term career pathways. She is committed to using her academic training and leadership experience to strengthen professional development resources and support student success.
Outside of academics and leadership, she enjoys exploring new foods, watching movies, reading, and spending time with her sister.
Director of Community Engagement | Maddi Schink
Maddi was born and raised in Colorado and developed a deep love and connection to the natural world. Her bachelor's degree is in Environmental Education and Environmental Studies, and she is now pursuing a graduate degree in International Affairs with a specialization in environmental conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
She is dedicated to a career in public service and committed to facilitating
collaborative processes, supporting meaningful community engagement, and pursuing equitable, bipartisan, and context-driven solutions to climate
change and other natural resource issues.
In her free time, she enjoys backpacking, photography, spending time with her younger siblings, and searching for the best cup of coffee.
