BC News > Campus & Community > Students > 2021 UGBC winners

Juniors Jack Bracher and Gianna Russi. (Peter Julian)

Their first day in office isn’t until May 2, but their work has already begun, according to the new heads of the Undergraduate Government of Boston College.

Both juniors in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, President Jack Bracher and Vice President Gianna Russi—who won last month’s UGBC election—say their administration is centered around student voices.

The duo plans to work toward change that directly addresses student concerns, and to facilitate dialogue, collaborate with student groups to amplify and support their initiatives, and create coalitions to attain results.

“We will work tirelessly alongside our peers and other student leaders to ensure [student concerns] are addressed and tangible solutions are discussed with the administration,” Russi said. “We will continue to work ‘For Eagles, With Eagles’ as president and vice president of UGBC, and we will act as a mouthpiece for students.”  

She cites the recent creation of the Environmental Sustainability Division within UGBC as an example: “We plan to use this division as a vehicle to centralize advocacy and foster a space for students from all parts of campus to come together in their work.”

Bracher said he and his vice president “are looking forward to working with students and administrators to ensure effective communication between the administration and the student body in preparation for next year, both from a safety and community standpoint.    

 “The present circumstances have highlighted the importance of community in our daily lives. Feelings of isolation are not uncommon when students attend class in a Zoom room as opposed to a classroom. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students have worked incredibly hard over the past year to ensure that we have the opportunity to be on campus this academic year.”

Bracher—son of Courage to Know Director Elizabeth Bracher—is a graduate of Boston College High School. “When I came to BC, I unknowingly joined student government not realizing a program I applied to was a division of UGBC,” said the political science and Perspectives major, who is minoring in ancient civilizations.

“I’ve since had the privilege to serve in different capacities across multiple divisions. UGBC for me became defined by the relationships I formed with students and faculty. It is an incredible honor to bring these relationships to the work that Gianna and I will take on in the highest office of UGBC.”

Bracher serves on the executive board of BC’s Ignatian Society and participated in the Jamaica Magis and Bowman Advocates programs.

Russi, a double major in political science and history, also has been active in various UGBC roles, including as a Class of 2022 student assembly representative and as secretary; her activities include the Student Admission Program and the BC Alzheimer’s Buddies campus chapter.

“Jack and I share a common vision, and we hope students feel like they have solid advocates by their side.”

Rosanne Pellegrini | University Communications | April 2021

Back To Top