Honors Student Executive Board
Our charter
The Honors Student Executive Board (formerly the Honors Commission) is the student governing body of the Saint Mary’s College Honors Program. The Board affords students the unique opportunity of helping to make decisions about how the Honors Program should function as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Program. In keeping with the Program's student-driven focus, Officers work as a team to produce a variety of events and oversee the academic and social well-being of fellow Honors Program students.
Interested in joining? Applications open in the spring!
2026-2027 Board Members
Amanda McCarthy, Chair (Fall 2026-)
Academic Events Officer (Fall 2025-Spring 2026)
I am an Integral and Spanish double-major, class of 2027. I have many hobbies, including crochet, watercolor, cooking, and geocaching. I have played clarinet for 8 years now, making ensemble music one of my longest hobbies, with 14 years of experience in total. One recent project of mine was publishing, illustrating, and writing a bikini children's book inspired by my Jan Term in Mexico called "Verano no se quiere ir", which is now available on multiple notable online stores. My long term career goal is to become an occupational therapist and to make an impact in the realm of rehabilitative science.
Lauren Cardinale, Social Events (Fall 2026-)
Hi! My name is Lauren Cardinale and I am a fourth-year student and a double major in English and Communication. I have been a member of the Honors Program since arriving at Saint Mary’s and not only has it has pushed me to go above and beyond in all aspects of my SMC experience, I have made amazing connections and lasting friendships. Aside from being a member, I am President of the English Underground club and I also work in the Office of Admissions as a Student Ambassador. Something people might not know about me is that I am fluent in German and I love to write and read – I read 65 books last year! I also love to sing, and in 2024 I traveled to New Zealand with the Saint Mary's choirs to compete in the World Choir Games!
Courtney Fitzgibbon, Public Relations (Fall 2026-)
Hey everyone! I am currently a sophomore studying Kinesiology, Sports Management. I am also on the SMC cross country and track team so I am super involved in athletics as well as academics! I’m really excited to make it possible for athletes with their busy schedules to still be involved in events and just bring a slightly different perspective to the team!! To add to that, I am from New Zealand so repping the international students as well! Can’t wait for a super awesome year :))
Rylin Gamble, Social Events (Fall 2026-)
My name is Rylin Gamble, and I am a first-year from the Central Valley. Double majoring in English and Business Administration, I plan on attending law school after my time at Saint Mary's. I love writing, and plan on publishing my debut novel before I graduate college, and will write books alongside my law career. Integral parts of my personality include my love of reading, swimming, and public speaking. I own seven chickens, and showed them at my local county fair throughout high school. Growing up in a farming community, I have a strong passion for learning about the agriculture industry. I am excited to become more involved within the honors community. I love meeting new people, and want to help friendships develop among everyone participating in the program.
Anna Gergurich, Social Events (Fall 2026-)
Hello! I’m Anna Gergurich, and I am a first-year at Saint Mary’s. I am from San Diego, CA, and chose to attend SMC because I love its tight-knit community and the incredible opportunities it offers. As a Politics and Data Science double major, I am passionate about the intersection of law and data. On campus, I play club soccer and am a part of Gael Sisterhood, and I hope to join more clubs and organizations in my time here. I am so excited to serve as the Social Events Chair for the Honors program! I love bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences, so I’m looking forward to fostering a collaborative community within the Honors program.
In my free time, I like to hang out with friends, play and watch sports, go to the beach, get coffee and food, and explore new places. I also like to travel, and have visited Scotland and Ireland. A couple of fun facts about me are that I have 32 cousins and I used to Irish dance! I am excited to make the most of my first year at Saint Mary’s, and I am eager to meet new people and make many memories along the way!
Joshua Press, Academic Events & Conferences (Fall 2026-)
I am a senior majoring in computer science and am from Redwood City, CA. I have been in the Honors Program since my first year and enjoyed the events and presenting at the research conference because it allowed me to practice my public speaking skills with a technical subject. Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing games and spending time with friends. I work on campus at the SDS, getting students their textbooks in accessible formats. I am also president of the STEM Club. After graduation, I hope to work in software development.
Aidan Silva, Public Relations (Fall 2024-)
I am a biochemistry major with a psychology minor who ultimately aspires to become a pediatrician. In addition to academics and my role on the Honors Exec Team, I serve as Senior Class 2027 Chair for student government and a chemistry tutor in TASC. I also take great pride in serving as mentor for incoming freshman and transfers that are navigating school life as STEM majors. Some of my interests include traveling, fashion, comedy, going to the beach/lake, and spending good time with friends. The most important thing I want incoming/aspiring Honors students to know is that they are not alone and they can always reach out to me for guidance, questions, and help with anything they have with their academics and Honors journey.
Aruna Silva, Peer Perspectives (Fall 2025-)
I am going to be a senior this year, majoring in Environmental Science and minoring in Archaeology. I was born in Hawaii, but I lived overseas for most of my life, attending international schools. I like to hike, go to the beach, draw, and try different cafes in my free time. I joined the Honors Program Executive Board because I wanted to become more involved in the SMC community, and help students become more involved themselves as I help with the Peer Perspective events.
Sofia Yildirim, Academic Events & Contracts (Fall 2025-)
I am a senior with a double-major in environmental science and biology, from Alameda CA. I have been a member of the Honors Program since my freshman year. I have a deep interest in the natural world and work as an undergraduate researcher trying to understand the connection between organisms and their environment. Outside of academics I am a creative and curious learner who enjoys dancing with the SMC Belly Dance and MENA Clubs, cooking Turkish food with my family, hiking, singing, and bouldering. I am honored to once again serve as one of the Academic Events and Contracts Commissioner for the Honors Program! My goal in this position is to give back to the community that has welcomed and supported me over the last three years at SMC, and to support the next generation of leaders and learners.