MSJC Welcomes New Student Trustee Claudia Walukouw for 2025-26 Academic Year
6/16/2025
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Mt. San Jacinto College proudly welcomed Claudia Walukouw as the new Student Trustee serving on the Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 academic year.
Claudia is a pre-nursing major on track to graduate in Spring 2026. She began her higher education journey at Mt. San Antonio College before earning her bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego. While her initial goal was to pursue a career in international service—having even received an invitation to serve in the Peace Corps as an English teacher in Ethiopia—Claudia's path shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic made me realize I wanted to serve my community through healthcare," she said. That realization led her to MSJC, where she has been completing her nursing prerequisites, hoping to enter MSJC's Associate Degree in Nursing program or pursue an entry-level master's program in nursing elsewhere.
Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Claudia immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, she brings a powerful perspective to her new role as Student Trustee. Her commitment to student advocacy is rooted in a desire to ensure all students feel seen, supported, and empowered.
"Throughout my journey in education, I've seen just how invested our faculty, classified professionals, and administrators are in student success, but not all students are aware of the support available to them," Claudia said. "I want to help bridge that gap."
Claudia has been active in student government at every college she's attended. She brings a strong background in student leadership and a passion for community engagement. Her decision to apply for Student Trustee was influenced by her predecessor, Sam Cardenas, whose guidance and encouragement helped shape Claudia's vision for student advocacy.
"When Sam told me about the role and encouraged me to apply, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," Claudia said. "We're living in a pivotal time, and I don't want to be on the sidelines. I want to stand up for the rights my family fought to have and advocate for those who may not have someone in their corner."
MSJC is excited to welcome Claudia Walukouw as a Student Trustee and looks forward to the insight, compassion, and leadership she will bring to the Board of Trustees.
