Benjamin Ring has a long track record of community advocacy, and has consistently proven to be a capable leader amongst his peers, within the classroom, and at the workplace.  A native of Lansing, Michigan, Benjamin volunteered countless hours in his community, facilitating drug and violence prevention workshops, serving on Lansing’s judicial “Teen Court,” working with inner-city youth through after-school theatre workshops and soccer programs, amongst numerous other programs.

     In 2003, Benjamin came to DePaul and joined Student Government to further his political and social ambitions.  In 2004, he was elected to the Senate, and has since worked to improve facility concerns, served on the Liberal Arts & Sciences grade challenge review board, assisted with other Senate programming, and created the first Lincoln Park Campus town hall, hoping to bring SGA to the students.

     Benjamin is currently a dual-major in Public Policy Studies and Political Science, with a former minor in Russian Studies.  He holds an approximate 3.8 GPA, is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta co-ed Pre-Law Fraternity, and throughout his college career has been awarded “Resident of the Month,” worked within DCSA, served as a general member of Spectrum, and was a part of the Premiere DePaul orientation program in 2004 as a MileWalker, tackling issues concerning STDs and interpersonal relationships.  Outside of DePaul, Benjamin has voluteered with the Human Rights Campaign, and currently holds a part-time job.

     Benjamin chose to run for Vice President to better serve SGA with his organizational and team-building skills.  An advocate for students, and a staunch supporter of Senators and liaisons, Benjamin will work to ensure that your representatives are working with and for you, and will faithfully serve as that vital link between the Senators and the President.  More importantly, he hopes to effect greater solidarity and accountability within SGA, motivating its members to pursue the strong work ethic and commitment to service so central to the mission of St. Vincent DePaul.  “I believe, like St. Vincent DePaul, ‘it is not enough to do good; it must be done well,’” echoed Benjamin.  “As Vice President, I will work to bring more communication between the President and the Senate, and – by extension – between the Senate and their constituents, and between the President and administrative staff.  Only in working together will we accomplish any of our goals.”

     Benjamin believes that both he and Monique possess the skill, the drive, and the diplomatic character so necessary when communicating student concerns to administration.  “We are ready work with administration, and are not afraid to press the needs of DePaul students when necessary,” stated Benjamin.  "I am committed to this goal, by serving as one of the many pivotal links between student and administrative concerns.”

     In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys working out at the Ray Meyer Fitness Center, roller-blading along the lake trail, exploring new Chicagoland areas, and – as always – going on weekend trips to Ikea.