Class Trustee Candidates

Alumni Class Officer Candidates
Class of 1999 Officer Candidates


Stephen Baer

After four years at Oberlin, I have given and received a great deal from this community. I am an Art History and Studio Art major, and my organizational experiences include: Founder/Committee member, Wilder Student Union Art Gallery; Treasurer, Oberlin Musical Theater Association; Booking Agent/Performer, Oberlin Obertones; Founder/Director, O.C.appella Festival; Student Senator; member, SOBIE Vice President, North Residence Hall. My Oberlin work experiences include: Assistant to the Vice President - writing grants and creating tactile maps for visually impaired students, faculty, and community members; Admissions Senior Intern - interviewing students and organizing special events.

As the tenth member of my family to attend Oberlin, I have practically grown up in this community. Several members of my family have remained active with the school as class officers. I am quite committed to this institution, and would like to follow in my family's footsteps by serving our class upon graduation.


Chapin Benninghoff

I'm wary about writing a statement at all. At this point, I don't know who I'm running against, but I'm confident that everyone else on this ballot is just as qualified as I am to represent Oberlin. I hate that this whole process seems to pit students against students in a resume contest in which there can only be one winner. Such a process contradicts one of the most important things I've learned here: good governments aren't about picking the one "right" formula. They're about getting everybody invested in a process and confident that any conclusions come only as a result of communication, understanding, and respect. So why am I running? Because in the absence of true representation, I can offer six years of experience serving on virtually every faculty committee. Earnest communication can make up for a lack of true representation, but nothing can substitute for experience.


Matthew Borus

One issue I have worked on at Oberlin has been developing a socially responsible approach to college investments. I've served on the College Committee on Shareholder Responsibility since its reactivation, and as a class trustee, I hope to work for a more socially engaged policy. I am active in SLAC, and I hope to ensure that Oberlin treats workers justly and with respect, and that changing dining policies don't hurt the local economy. I have worked on financial aid issues, and I plan to push the College to study actively the ef fects of the elimination of need-blind admissions. I am a member of SOBIE, and concerned that resources go not only to costly building projects, but also to curricular developments like Ethnic Studies. Finally, I hope to work on developing channels of communication by which Trustees can be better aware of what is happening on campus.


Michelle Chang

I am currently the Arts Co-Editor of The Oberlin Review. This has been a time-consuming but highly rewarding responsibility. I began writing and eventually editing for the newspaper because I wanted to improve its quality. I think it best to join institutions with impact to make them better rather than complaining about them. I have also taken part in various student theater and musical theater productions and have been involved in the Asian American Alliance and Oberlin Film Series. Additionally, I was a New Student Advisor for Residential Life in Barrows Hall with a specialization in community service organization.

I feel qualified to take on the position of class trustee because I am an effective communicator with well- rounded interests. I take this school very seriously and I am constantly thinking about what an Oberlin education should stand for; its boundless ideals as well as its realistic boundaries.


Brendan Cody

As vice-president, my work for the senior class has given me the unique opportunity to know Oberlin and the people who learn and have their careers here. The responsibilities of this position involve me closely with my classmates and its there that I've developed a greater appreciation for Oberlin's amazing potential - and a clear sense of its shortcomings. My rewarding academic experiences, as well as those in soccer and baseball, have given me the motivation to help our school improve and the ideas with which to accomplish this. Oberlin has shaped our values and honed our abilities - as our Class Trustee I want to be of service to the school and students from whom I have learned so much.


David Heafitz

After graduation, people will judge you on many things, amongst these, where you went to college. For your degree to maintain its value, Oberlin must continue to provide the best educational opportunity possible. The decisions made by the Board of Trustees won't just affect future students, they'll affect you as alumni also.

I've displayed the leadership necessary for a class trustee. As a senator I served on the Campus Security and Distribution and Advising Committees. Last year, I organized the Oberlin Church Rebuilding Project, which sent fifty students to Alabama to rebuild arsoned churches. I've eaten in OSCA for two years and been a tour guide in the Admissions Office.

As a class trustee, I can assure that our legacy carries our voices with it. As I've proven before, I'm committed to representing students and creating open dialogue with administrators.

If you have any questions for me, e-mail me. I will make your vote worth It.


Blair Heiserman

My experiences here have left me with a well-defined sense of the Oberlin for the Class of '98. I've been active in many groups while here: Aikido, Archery Club, O.G.R.E., and Student Senate. I've sat on faculty committees and more deeply affected the workings of Oberlin. This left me with the impression that students need to take a more proactive stance towards changing Oberlin. I want to represent our opinions and needs to the trustees as a class trustee so that future students can benefit from closer contact with the trustees. I am willing to take concerns and address them with the trustees, so that a more powerful voice might be convinced to change things that as mere students we may not have been able to change.


Katie Howard

Oberlin College is planning its future. I have the experience, energy and dedication to help guide the College as a Class Trustee. Since I arrived at Oberlin, my commitment to the community of Oberlin College and the greater community of Lorain County has been strong. I have experience supporting and advocation for student needs and concerns as a member of faculty committees (the Standing Committee of Pluralism and Equality, and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Concerns Committee). In addition, I have participated in many organizations and activities, which have helped me to develop and strengthen my leadership and people skills. These include: LGBU (Co-Chair), Drag Ball Coordinator, Third World Co-op (DTEC), the Bonner Scholars Program (Advisory Board), and others. I have been employed through the Center for Service and Learning, and currently work at the Grassroots Leadership Development Program in Lorain.


Keisha E. Hutchins

I am a Double-Degree student in Sociology and Vocal Performance. My freshman year, I was an active member on the Kuumba Committee. My sophomore year, I was a CRO in Talcott, during which time I was involved in meditation and problem-solving among college students. My junior year, I founded the Children's Music workshop. This is an outreach program which provides music education to low-income children in the Oberlin Community. During my study away in Philadelphia, I taught music in a school which provides arts education to children who would normally be excluded from such programs due to financial circumstance. I am interested in using the resources and the strengths of Oberlin College and its students to build a stronger Oberlin community, and to help build and strengthen those communities outside of our own.


Tsitsi Ella Jaji

Five years ago I believed one person could change the world. Many work-study, practice and library hours later, I find such a philosophy impracticable, but Oberlin has taught me something more worthwhile - community changes the world.

As a member of French and Third World Houses and Third World Co-op, I soon saw the power of students living out their academic and political commitments. As a Mellon Minority Undergraduate Research Fellow (complementing majors in piano performance and comparative literature), I found another community - of scholars. Theater and Dance have offered other collaborative opportunities, particularly composing for works by Ntozake Shange and Tennesse Williams. Student groups like O.F.S.O.M.E., African Students Association and Oberlin Music Coalition's community music program continue to teach me, as do my experiences in the Conservatory Public Relations Office. Trust me to keep building Oberlin's community.


Tobias James

Understanding "representation" is central to being an effective class trustee of Oberlin College. I perceive the person in this capacity as one who is a delegate, able to illustrate the multifarious perspectives of the students of the graduating class. Serving in this role also entails a sensitivity that is only the result of having a genuine access to the myriad communities of the College and Conservatory. As a Double-Degree student, Residential Coordinator, Admissions Office Senior intern, and HIV Counselor, amongst athletic and other extracurricular activities, I have had the opportunity to live many experiences that are indicative of the breadth and depth of this community.


Micha Josephy

My Oberlin organizational experience includes last semesters 'Coalition,' OSCA's Community Relations Committee, OPIRG's Student Aid and Environmental Defense campaigns, and the Standing Committee on Pluralism and Equality as a Senator. I know that I love Oberlin and want it to maintain and regain its place on the progressive edge of higher education. To do this, we need open, honest, and ongoing communication among everyone involved. I have recently worked with some Trustees and students to create continual conversations on issues concerning Oberlin College and the community including institutional social responsibility, curriculum diversification, and the economic health of downtown. This will not only better inform students on effecting change, but it will create a perpetual place for students to discuss their experiences, successes, and concerns with the Trustees. Sitting on the Board will allow me to continue this campaign, ultimately helping many student initiatives and the future of the College.


Amy Kremen

Oberlin resume: Can Consortium; sign language, Contact Improv EXCOs, In A Chord, Offbeats, indoor track, one year, varsity women's lacrosse for three, wide range of college and conservatory classes, bread baker/granola maker/head cook, Keep and Old B; RC in North; wrote news for WOBC and the Review, junior semester abroad in Mali where I did research which became a senior honors project in Politics; wrote grant and did cooperative development research for a non-profit in South Lorain; tutored at OHS.

I am qualified to be class trustee because of my deep interest Oberlin's students and many opportunities.I have a lot of experience in team work, committee meetings, and working with others. From my friendships and own experience, I know how intense this place can be and would like to be part of the direction in which it goes.


Arturo Anthony Martinez

I am pleased and honored to be nominated for the 1998 Class Trustee position. As a first generation, low income student, I walked into Oberlin college with the pride and values of a family who taught me how to love and accept others as I love and accept myself and my own experience. Here, I was challenged to redefine my own experience, self identity, and academic standards by confronting my insecurities through a wide range of developmental tasks. These tasks I manifested themselves through academic, political, and social engagements. Thus, I operated in numerous forums of confrontation and dialogue where different views were expressed in an effort to enhance an appreciation for our differences and similarities. I believe my responsibility, and yours, is to make sure those efforts remain constant and effective in the years to come. Thank you.


Andreas Pape

Students, administrators, and Trustees approach issues very differently, and I have a proven track record of helping people in those different positions to understand each other and see what each other need. I've been involved in how Oberlin works all my years here: as a Student Senator for three years; as a co-chair of the Student Finance Committee; as an active member of student life decisions and as a program house RC. I've worked with Trustees as a student representative, and I organized a program enabling students to talk individually with Trustees. You can't bully the Trustees into respecting student opinion, and you can't get the Trustees to change overnight. Real change within this institution requires persistence, communication, patience, long-term vision, and commitment. I have that. That's why I, Andreas Pape, am a responsible candidate for your class trustee.


Dan Persky

Selected Experience: Student Senate (four-year elected member); Health Plan Board Member - helped negotiate a new student health plan (includes pharmacy, education programs and guaranteed appointments); Student Organizations Committee Chair - chartered over 60 student organizations; Education Coordinator - initiated the new orientation week programs and outreach efforts; Member Student Computer Advisory Committee - free laser printing, more e-mail terminals and creation of group work area; Admissions Office Tour Guide and Telephone Outreach Representative, provided tours for prospective students, VIPs visiting campus and job applicants and participated in recruitment forums and panel discussions.

Although I am very proud of the many accomplishments I have helped create here at Oberlin, there is much more to be done. I want to keep coming back to Oberlin to work with students on issues including implementing the new student health plan and improving the student union facilities. I am the vote for an active Class Trustee!


Ellyn Stewart

I served as co-chair of Oberlin Film Series last year. I organized the Student Film Festival. I've taken classes in both the College and the Conservatory. From writing for the Review, to eating in a co-op to eating in CDS, from serving as a CRO, to working at the Wilder Desk for three years, my experiences at Oberlin have given me an understanding of the diversity of Oberlin student backgrounds.

I've spent much of my time volunteering in the larger community. I organized meetings between the elderly people of Kendal and Oberlin students. I spent my first two years volunteering at a local preschool. I think my skills in communicating with all ages would serve me well as a class trustee, working in an intergenerational setting. I have the leadership experience, as well as the dedication to represent the eclectic interests of Oberlin students.


Mirabai Weismehl

I am currently completing a major in Violin Performance and a minor in Dance. I am the Assistant Conductor of the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra and founder of the Oberlin Concerto Orchestra, a current EXCO course. Reaching out to the community, I co-taught movement classes at Kendal and I support OPIRG. I have attended many of Oberlin's performances, lectures, and talks, including President Dye's recent presentation, Women and Leadership." In the kindest possible way, I do my best to make Oberlin a better place.

I believe that clear communication is the essential element of any successful organization. As Class Trustee, I will utilize my communication and leadership skills to effectively moderate the forums and cooperate with everyone involved. By focusing on our PROCESS of achieving goals, we will see Oberlin continue to flourish! Please join me in my enthusiasm.

Alumni Class Officer Candidates
Class of 1999 Officer Candidates

 


T H E   O B E R L I N   R E V I E W

Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 126, Number 18, March 13, 1998

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