Kat Hogan
Year: Junior
Major(s) & Minor(s): Energy Engineering with minors in Sustainability Leadership and Environmental Engineering
UPUA Experience: 3 years
I am honored to announce my candidacy for University Park Undergraduate Association Student Body President for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Advocating for fellow students has always been a strong passion of mine. Throughout my time in UPUA, I’ve held the positions of Speaker of the Assembly, Chair of the Justice and Equity Committee, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Representative/Faculty Senator, and At-Large Representative. Through each of these roles I have had the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary people to advance initiatives in environmental justice, sustainability, social equity , support for underrepresented communities, amending internal policies, and more.
As a member of the Penn State community, I am able to support students as a Resident Assistant in Pollock dorms, a Lion Ambassador, a College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Chair Person, and a member of Lion Caucus
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Being involved in UPUA has allowed me to see and hear students’ concerns, transform their ideas into action, and create positive change. I am here for you. I believe every student deserves to have all of their basic needs met so they can thrive at their fullest potential; and for the students able to thrive, that they have the pathways and opportunities to pursue what they love.
My guiding values as a person and as a leader are empathy, respect, dedication, and authenticity, grounded in a commitment to community. Servant leadership looks like seeking out student voices, listening intentionally, and engaging thoughtfully and effectively. I am never afraid to roll up my sleeves and devote my full energy to the well-being of those around me.
I am excited to work alongside Maria as we build a student government advocating for empathy, equity, and to empower your voice! We have meaningful initiatives ahead, and I cannot wait to share more details of the campaign platform with you all.
Presidential Candidate
Maria Lopez
Year: Junior
Major(s) & Minor(s): Political Science and Minors in Economics and Public Policy
UPUA Experience: 3 years
I am both honored and excited to announce that I am running to be your University Park Undergraduate Association Student Body Vice President for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Since stepping foot on campus, I have continuously worked hard as an advocate for underrepresented communities and uplifting the voices of those around me. As a Lion Caucus member, I advocate for state funding so that a Penn State education can one day be more affordable and accessible. As the current Latino Caucus Vice President, I advocate for my community through university administration and help organize events to bring people together. During my time at Penn State, working as the UPUA’s Justice and Equity chair, I have advocated for financial literacy, rights education, and basic needs.
Through my involvement with UPUA, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to students’ concerns, translate their ideas into meaningful action, and help drive positive change. I believe every student deserves to have their voices heard. As a person and a leader, I am guided by my deep commitment to community. To me, servant leadership means reaching out and putting in effort every day to represent all. As your UPUA Vice President, I will continue to lead with empathy, excellence, and authenticity. I will do my absolute best to advocate for every student on campus and push for initiatives that advance the success of the student body.
I look forward to working alongside Kat as we build a student government that advocates for empathy, equity, and student voices!
Vice-Presidential Candidate
Meet the HOGAN-LOPEZ Team
"I joined Hogan-Lopez because I have seen firsthand the effect both of them have had on our campus community. As Speaker of the Assembly, Kat has pushed forth legislation that has advanced diverse perspectives, advocated for greater campus accessibility, and enabled student leaders to continue advancing impactful initiatives. Through my time knowing Maria, I have seen her learn and grow into an incredible leader. She is a welcoming and friendly face to all students and remains strong in her resolve to push for important issues. As someone who has seen firsthand these leaders’ love for Penn State and its history, I have no doubt that they will be able to work with our student body and administration to build upon the legacy of success our university holds."
CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Jude York
"I support Hogan–Lopez because I’ve seen their leadership firsthand. Kat leads with an unwavering sense of integrity and purpose. As Speaker of the Assembly, she has approached every piece of legislation with thoughtfulness, preparation, and a deep respect for the Penn State values. Her compassion and devotion to the organization drives her decision-making. She holds herself to the highest professional, and ethical standards, and she challenges those around her to do the same. Kat’s leadership is rooted in service, always prioritizing what strengthens our University and the communities it touches.
Maria brings a different but equally powerful strength to this ticket. She has an incredible ability to make every student feel seen and valued, while still standing firm in her convictions. Maria leads with empathy, clarity, and resilience. She is not afraid to advocate for meaningful change, and she approaches challenges with collaboration rather than division.
Together, they embody the kind of leadership Penn State deserves: principled, compassionate, and deeply committed to progress. I have complete confidence that they will unite our student body and work alongside administration to shape a future that honors our traditions while pushing our campus forward."
Shreya Budakoti
Noah Youcheff
CO-DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGN INTEGRITY
"I joined Hogan-Lopez because of their sincere and ethical approach to student leadership. Both Kat and Maria have continued to show up for the student body every single day. Their unending commitment to their constituents is only matched by their steadfast convictions. Kat and Maria don’t just make promises - they fulfill them. Through my work with both candidates, I have seen firsthand their ability to turn promises into reality. Kat is a visionary leader who excels in leading by encouraging others to dream bigger and accomplish more. She forms connections with individuals that are grounded in kindness, respect, and compassion. She excels at hearing others, instead of just listening. Maria balances the ticket by providing exceptional pragmatism and wisdom. She understands the necessity of a practical balance within leadership in all solutions. Maria is able to visualize difficult problems and craft rational solutions. Kat and Maria both bring their unique talents to the table. Complementary and exceptional individuals, I have full confidence in their ability to excel in Executive Leadership."
Kathryn Hutchinson
CO-DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGN INTEGRITY
“Kat Hogan is easily one of the most important people in my life. When she came to me and asked for help, it was the easiest yes of my life.”
Amari Saunders
CO-DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH
“I joined Hogan Lopez because I strongly support their sustainability and diversity plans. I believe both of these are extremely important and will lead to the betterment of a more peaceful, clean, and prosperous Penn State!”
Katelynn Jassal
CO-DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH
“I joined the Hogan Lopez campaign team because I recognize how passionate both these women are about working to better the University Park campus for all who embody it. Their pillars of empowerment, accessibility, affordability, transparency, and upholding sustainability are all extremely achievable, given the power-house this team holds! I could not be prouder to be a part of this team, and help streamline the needs of the student body to be executed by UPUA!”
Amber Sheppard
DEPUTY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
"I joined Hogan Lopez because I believe that they are deeply committed to serving the student body and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. These two women are extremely strong leaders both within UPUA and outside of it, and I could not be prouder to support them in their mission to achieve better things for the student body."
Emilia Palmer
MERCHANDISING & MARKETING
“I joined Hogan Lopez because of their passion for helping students! I’ve known both Kat and Maria since our first-year, and they’ve been the most passionate people I’ve met through and through about improving our University and making our campus a better place. Both of them are so incredibly kind and hardworking, and I have no doubt in their ability to lead UPUA and make meaningful and positive change!”
Alison Tawil
DIRECTOR OF CAMPAIGN FINANCE
“I joined Hogan Lopez because I have had the pleasure of working with both Kat and Maria and know these are two of the most passionate and hardworking people I know. They are so incredibly capable and willing to do anything for students in need and help the Penn State community. Their focus on diversity and sustainability is so important and I have seen firsthand in their work in UPUA how strong their efforts have been and I know with the right tools they will be extremely successful.”
Emily Milton
DEPUTY CAMPAIGN MANAGER
“I believe Kat and Maria are the most qualified and most passionate people to hold the role of President and Vice President. They have been so dedicated to their work, not only in UPUA, but at Penn State in general throughout the last two and a half years and I wouldn’t want the next assembly to be in anyone else’s hands. In transitioning the UPUA to this next era, there needs to be people who care deeply about the work they do and who are proud members of the Penn State community and Kat and Maria are the people to do this.”