Graduate Student Association

The Higher Education Leadership and Administration - Graduation Association (HELA-GA) is a student-led organization committed to creating opportunities for networking, professional development, and social events for the graduate students and alumni of the Higher Education Leadership and Administration masters program.

student posing for a headshot in a canisius sweater

HELA Graduate Association President: Onyeka Osuji

Hello, my name is Onyeka Osuji. I am the HELA-GA president, coordinator of the Ignatian SPARK Program and the Graduate Assistant for Academic Mentoring and Retention at Canisius University.

My hometown is Owerri, Nigeria. I have a bachelor’s in Public Administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and worked there as an assistant lecturer before joining the HELA MSEd Class of 2027.

My three favorite values are love, courage, and excellence. A fun fact about me is that I write fiction inspired by the stories of my indigenous Igbo people of Africa.

Student posing for photo in front of a college building wearing a Canisius sweater

HELA Graduate Association Vice President for Programming & Events: Ida Segmüller

I am Ida Segmüller and currently serve as the Vice President of Programming and Events of the HELA Graduate Association. 

I am from a small town near Nürnberg in Germany and will be graduating in 2027. I also am one of the Graduate Assistants in the Center for International Education at Canisius. 

In my role, I am excited to create events and meaningful moments that allow our HELA students to connect and grow beyond the classroom and their assistantships. A fun fact about me is that I love baking and cooking, especially treats and dishes that remind me of home.

college student posing in front of a wall of a college academic building

HELA Graduate Association Vice President for Communications & Professional Development: Jaquoi Dorsett

Hello! My name is Jaquoi Dorsett, and I am the Vice President of Professional Development within HELA-GA. I was born and raised in Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. 

I currently serve as a Career Development Graduate Assistant within the Golisano Center for Student Success. 

In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, listening to R&B and Soul music, and walking nature trails

graduate college student standing front of a wall of art for a headshot

HELA Graduate Association Secretary: Badoming Alidu

My name is Badoming Alidu, and I am the current secretary of the HELA-GA. I am from Ghana and will be graduating in May 2027. 

I also serve as a Graduate Assistant in the Accessibility and Testing Center, where I support students and help coordinate testing accommodations. 

A fun fact about me is that I enjoy farming and the wisdom it teaches about life. It reminds me that growth begins with taking action and that every small effort today can yield a meaningful harvest tomorrow.

HELA Graduate Association Treasurer: Elizabeth Ohenewaa Adu

student posing for a photo in front of a blank wall for a college masters program

I am Elizabeth Ohenewaa Adu, a second-year graduate student pursuing HELA at Canisius University. I work as the Graduate Assistant for the Student Health Center where I serve as the Wellness Outreach Coordinator as well as the Treasurer for the HELA program.

Having been an active member of the HELA program, I have seen firsthand how vital sound financial management is to the success of our program initiatives, and I am eager to contribute my skills to ensure our continued growth. I understand that being the 'Treasurer' is about more than just numbers; it’s about transparency. I am committed to maintaining meticulous records so that every member of the department feels confident in how our funds are being utilized.

Additionally, I am most interested in creating a welcoming environment that encourages inclusivity, diversity as well as providing basic information/resources to all members of the community and developing a supportive/connected community. I am excited about the prospect of making a positive contribution to the department's goals.

Fun Fact: I was born in Ghana! I am a 'family' person! I love to cook and share my food with people! I feel fulfilled when I see people thriving and reaching higher heights!