Statements from Class of '97 officer candidates

The following are statements by candidates for senior class officers. Current juniors are eligible to vote. The top vote-getter will be president and the runner-up vice-president.

Responsibilities of the officers include planning commencement week ceremonies and keeping the class informed of alumni activities following graduation, as well as planning the first reunion for the class. Ballots are due March 15.

I am Sergio Acevedo and I believe myself to be the most qualified candidate for Senior Class President. My history and involvement as a Residential Coordinator (RC), Bonner Scholar and student activist demonstrates my ability to best serve the interests and needs of our Oberlin communities. The RC position oriented me with Oberlin College policies and campus resources. Being a Bonner Scholar affirmed my interest in community outreach. As a student activist, specifically as co-chair of La Union (the Latino student organization), I worked together and established relationships with a variety of student organizations, academic departments and college administrators. My goal as the Senior Class President is to "level the playing field" by improving student/alumni contact and securing administrative attention to ensure input use. I believe it is essential for a candidate to possess this well-rounded combination of leadership, experience and commitment. Thank you.

Fellow students, it is with deliberate thought and contemplation that I have decided to run for class president. Given the positive experiences as a double degree student, I know I can bring the best of both dimensions (College and Conservatory) to a measure of meaningful representation to you my fellow students.

As a student employee of the Admissions Office and an active member of the Newman community, I feel I have cultivated the motto and goals of Oberlin College, "Learning and Labor." There is no substitute for knowledge and personal experience, surely a diversified double degree student offers these qualities needed to represent our class.

In accepting this task I cannot stand alone, for it is only through support and group participation that positive change and representation can be implemented. Permit me to give back to you what Oberlin has afforded me. In doing this we can both make a difference and your commencement will make a positive tomorrow.

I believe TAKING A CHANCE requires a great deal of commitment and responsibility.

And I LOVE taking chances.

As a Peer Liaison and the Co-chair of Oberlin Korean Students Association (OKSA) I am EAGER to share with you my talent and creativity.

Now, it's time for YOU to take a chance.

Though my focus at Oberlin has always been academics and completing my history major, I was a CRO tutor, and worked for CDS. If elected, my first priority will be to ensure that no one who meets the academic qualifications to graduate comes up short of money. I want to make the graduation party and senior week experiences we can all remember as the peak of our college years. Having known almost all of you, I know the struggles so many of you went through, and also that you are a special kind of people: you came to college not just to ensure a high paying job, but to learn. Many of you will use that learning to make this world a better place. If you know me, I hope you feel I am right for this position: it would be an honor to serve as your class officer.

Anonymous Junior: So, Kwang Chin, you want to run for president, why?
Kwang Chin: Well, I feel I can contribute to my fellow students and the school because I believe I have the experience to do so.
AJ: What kind of experience?
Kwang Chin: Let's see, I'm currently co-chair of OKSA, but, before that, I was the public relations officer. I've also helped organize fund raisers and activities to bring our community together.
AJ: OKSA your only extra-curricular?
Kwang Chin: No, I'm a member of AAA and I'm helping with the APA conference. Athletically I play varsity baseball, run track and I gave football a whirl.
AJ: If you are elected, then...
Kwang Chin: Well, I am a representative of the Senior Class, therefore, I must represent what they want. I do have ideas, such as creating a fund for seniors who interview for jobs or grad school. Transportation costs are rising, anything to lower them would be of great help.
AJ: Best of luck!
Kwang Chin: Thank you very much.

Oberlin College on paper and in practice offers students a wealth of opportunities in both the academic and social realms. I feel that my numerous and diverse activities on this campus have given me an excellent sense for the school, its history, its present and future directions and equally important, a great ability to sense and communicate with effective discourse to Oberlin's various components. As a class officer I bring experience, energy, avid willingness, diligence, determination and innovation. I have participated in a plethora of organizations/activities, many of which permitted me to tune my leadership and people skills. They include: SISC, Student Senate, Strasbourg Program, Student Finance Committee, Abusua, LGBU, Zami (co-chair), Third World House (House Council), OSCA (Board Rep), Third World Co-op (LEC), and various student committees on faculty and staff positions. My employment here at Oberlin includes work with the Alumni Office as well as the Student Union.

Ever since the first week of my first year at Oberlin, I have been heavily involved in campus life on many different levels. Because of this experience, I am confident that I can serve as a class officer more than satisfactorily. These are some of the organizations, committees, etc., I have participated in: Student Senate for two years (Member-at-Large; Senate Liaison); Act Up (Treasurer 1993-1994); EXCO (Treasurer 1994-1995, Member); Student Liaison, Dean of the College Search Committee; Judicial Board; Disco DJ at the 'Sco; General Faculty Committee (1993-1994). Thank you for your vote!