Meet the Exec Board
PRESIDENT - Kelsey
Hello! I’m Kelsey, a Junior studying Animal Science from Chicago. I have been climbing since I was young, but began consistently going three years ago. I can’t wait to meet new people and grow my climbing skills. I am always happy to talk or belay new people. Please come say hi!
VICE PRESIDENT - Madison
Hi! My name is Maddy and I am the club’s vice president! I’m a senior majoring in Natural Resources & Environmental Science with a concentration in Fish, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology. I have been a part of the club since I transferred here my sophomore year, and I served as one of the social chairs this past year. I’ve made so many great memories so far being involved with the club, and I can’t wait to make so many more!
SECRETARY - Aditya Viswanathan
Hi, my name is Aditya and I am the current Secretary for the Climbing Club at UIUC. I am a 3rd year studying Economics with a minor in Data Science, with the goal of going into business strategy or consulting. When I came to UIUC from my hometown of San Diego, this club became a home away from home for me. Even though I had never climbed before I joined, and even though I had to push through my fear of heights, the friends I made and the friendly encouragement of my seniors encouraged me to push myself beyond my limits and really grow to enjoy the sport. If you have any questions or just want a chat, feel free to reach out to me. I hope to see you at the wall!
TREASURER - Gabe Fey
Hey, I’m Gabe and I’m the treasurer for the climbing club here at UIUC. I am studying mathematics and getting a minor in computer science and am currently a junior. I’ve been climbing since I came to UIUC and have been loving it and the club since. I love the community that climbing and the club provides and the friendships that I have made thanks to it. You can always find me at all of the club meetings and events that we will be having and always feel free to come say hi or ask me about anything! Looking forward to a great year!
SOCIAL CHAIRS - Evan Short and Piper Tunney
Hi everyone, I’m Evan and I’m one of the social chairs for this year! I’m a junior from Grayslake IL, double-majoring in Psychology and Communication. I’ve loved rock climbing for as long as I can remember, but I only ever knew of it as something for field trips and birthday parties, and never even imagined it as something I could do regularly. I only joined the club in the spring 2025 semester, but I loved it and got really involved really quickly. I found the community to be very welcoming and encouraging to climbers of all skill levels, and I hope to continue to foster that inclusive environment. I can’t wait to see everyone this year, it’s going to be so much fun!
Hi Climbers! My name is Piper, I’m Co-Chairs with Evan, and I’m a junior studying Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. I grew up in Elgin Illinois and upon coming to University of Illinois I discovered our home climbing wall. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with everything climbing and have loved being a part of this club. I hope to continue creating new relationships and putting on social events that can welcome everyone to this wonderful sport!
TECH CHAIRS - Anna Frederick and Klaudia Babel
Hi everyone! My name is Anna Frederick, and I’m a junior Neuroscience major! I’ve been climbing on and off since my freshman year of high school and have been consistently climbing since joining the club. Climbing is such an empowering sport for me, and I hope to share that sentiment with new climbers at club!
Hai! My name is Klaudia (with a K), and I’ve been climbing for around 4 years! I’m a junior in English, History, and Political Science on a Pre-Law track. I also work at the climbing wall at the ARC! I love climbing because it’s a fun way to meet new friends and overall a really cool sport! 😀
SAFETY CHAIRS - Lotem and Zach
My name is Zach Terpstra, and I’m a junior in Aerospace Engineering from Lombard, IL. I am going to be a co-safety chair this year with Lotem. I have been climbing for 3-4 years and have been a member of the club since my freshman year. I am also interested in aviation and doing flight school alongside my degree. I was also a member of the Marching Illini, playing trombone. My favorite crag snack is Cheez-its.
My name is Lotem Harnik, and I’m a sophomore in physics from Naperville, IL. I’ve been climbing since I was 7. I enjoy lead climbing both outdoors and in the gym. I love it because it’s the hardest fun you will ever have. Outside of climbing, I mentor a high school robotics team and love hiking.
