Our Mission
"The UIUC Horticulture Club aims to advance the knowledge and professional development of its members, promote good fellowship among students and faculty, actively promote horticulture as part of gracious living, and provide access to horticultural knowledge to the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign community."
Meet the Exec Board!
Danielle Willenborg
President
I’m majoring in Animal Sciences with a minor in Horticulture. I do grow a lot of houseplants in my free time so my favorite plant is probably an Alocasia but I also really enjoy growing strawberries outdoors. My favorite part of the club though has to be working with our wonderful exec team and seeing our members having a good time at our events!
Yudai Takenaka
Vice President
My name is Yudai, I'm a junior in Crop Sciences with a minor in Chemistry, Statistics and Horticulture! I love seeing all the different requirements that the plants have and seeing them be happy and healthy with our care. My favorite plant is Canada thistle; even though its a rather prolific weed, I had a lot of experience working with them in my local botanical garden and it reminds me of home.
Joe Ku
Head Grower and 2024 Spring Plant Fair Organizer
Hello! My name Joe and I'm a Senior majoring in Computer Science + Crop Science with a minor in Chemistry and Horticulture. My favorite part about the club is having the opportunity to grow a ton of plants and share my passion for horticulture with others! Although I think all plants are cool, I especially love growing carnivorous plants, orchids, fruits, and vegetables.
Fay Siringoringo
Treasurer and Webmaster
Hi, I'm Fay, a sophomore majoring in Agronomy, minoring in Computer Science! My favorite part about this club is meeting new people who share the same passion for plants and learning more from them. Talking about plants, my favorite plant is the black orchid. I used to have a lot of these plants back home. Their color are just super cool and mesmerizing.
Shane Werner
Secretary
Hello, my name is Shane, and I'm a sophomore studying English and Philosophy. My favorite plants are trees, and my favorite is the redwood tree. My favorite part of club is learning how to grow new plants!
Nicole Miedzinski
Membership Coordinator and ACES Council Representative
Hey guys! I'm Nicole, a sophomore majoring in Plant Biotechnology and minoring in Horticulture! My favorite part of the club is working on the greenhouse team, where we grow and take care of plants for labs and our annual Spring Plant Fair! :)
Amy Bour
Public Relations and Social Chair
Hello!! My name is Amy and I am currently a sophomore undergrad, majoring in natural resources and environmental science! My favorite plant... Probably has to be either a jade or water lotus, and my favorite part about the club is the amount of experience and knowledge I've gained from being involved! I have always been a plant enjoyer but I never really had hands on experience with them until Horticulture Club!
Deimante Braciulis
Event Coordinator
I'm majoring in nutrition and health/predental. Aloe Vera is my favorite plant because of its numerous benefits. I love working with other team members to host events that bring the community together.
Gwen Fuller
Head Grower/Committee Chair
Hi all!! My name is Gwen Fuller (she/they), and I am currently a horticultural biology major!! I also work for the university of Wisconsin as a plant/fungal scientist. I'm hoping to teach all of our members more about plants and how to grow them!! My favorite plant is an aristolochia :)
Mia Eschman
Assistant Grower
I’m a sophomore in Plant Biotech, and my favorite plant is bristly greenbrier. I see it all the time hiking at home, and it reminds me of the thorn wall in the animated Sleeping Beauty. My favorite part about Hort Club is learning how to manage a greenhouse space and grow plants for mass production!
Tyler Gruschow
Assistant to the Assistant Grower
Hello! I'm Tyler and I'm a freshman in Bioengineering! In my free time, I like to knit, read, and do nature photography. My favorite part of the club is how it provides the opportunity to learn more about plants and to meet other people who also love plants! While I can't possibly choose a singular favorite plant from all the amazing plants that are out there, some of my favorites are the group of perennial herbaceous hardy hibiscus like Swamp Rose-Mallow for their large, colorful, distinctive flowers that come back every year despite harsh winter weather.
Jessica McNabola
Art Director
Hi, I'm Jess. I'm a sophomore in Art Education. Horticulture club teaches me a lot about plants/plant care, and leaving labs with a new plant puts a smile on my face.