The Final Four. We're talking months of planning and hard work that came down to four contenders: seniors Ben Abram, Chrissie Gorman, David Snider and Jimmy Soni.
These four individuals sought to hold what is considered the most powerful position available to an undergraduate at this University, and as I'm sure you are all well aware, Abram was granted this honor at last Wednesday's Duke Student Government meeting when he was named this year's undergraduate Young Trustee.
The meeting was swift and succinct. Each finalist was permitted 10 minutes of speaking time. He or she could discuss goals, accomplishments and the like, or take the time to respond to questions from members of DSG and the Inter-Community Council.
And answer questions they did.
Hypothetical situations involving everything from charging students for admission to athletic events to no longer funding student recruitment weekends were presented to each candidate. DSG and ICC members asked them what courses of action they would deem appropriate. Other more subjective questions were also considered, such as what two elements of the Duke experience most need to be improved and how Duke has shaped each of the finalists. Junior Elliott Wolf, DSG president, also asked a particularly appropriate question concerning recent news: Should Duke eliminate early decision from the admissions process?
Throughout questioning, each candidate showed his or her strengths.
Abram spoke first. It appeared as though his nerves might be getting the better of him when he stepped in front of the room, fiddling with his water bottle, but he spoke with great enthusiasm and sincerity. He managed to establish a happy medium between business and humor, bringing a sense of comfort to the room.
Gorman followed. With a smile on her face, she also brought a feeling of ease to the group. She spoke confidently with conviction and class.
Next came Snider. He arrived prepared for the crowd. After presenting his qualifications, he stayed relaxed and eager through questioning.
Finally, Soni. A man of eloquence and passion, his apparent comfort and command of the room made me feel he just might have won over the crowd.
But after the ballots were cast and we waited for the results, I searched through my mind and my notes.
Yes, each finalist seemed like he or she would fit on the Board of Trustees.
Yes, each finalist had an extraordinary résumé.
And yes, each finalist more than impressed me.
But I kept thinking back to Abram, as I feel many of the DSG and ICC members probably did after all the candidates were finished. Despite his quick speech and not-so-commanding presence, he bested the rest.
A Pratt student with a second major in Trinity, he stands out as unique. He has a well-rounded résumé and well-formed ideas. Of all the candidates, he presented himself as the most genuine and eager finalist, willing to start making lasting, beneficial changes.
I don't think anyone was particularly surprised with his win, although I would argue any of the four finalists easily could have won. The competition was tough, the finalists strong.
I commend sophomore Jordan Giordano, vice president for community interaction, who was in charge of running the Young Trustee selection process. His direction brought four excellent candidates to the table.
As for Abram, I have great faith in his abilities as Young Trustee. DSG and ICC made a wise decision selecting him, and I'm confident he won't let our student body down. I imagine he will grow into the position in a way the others could not.
At the end of the meeting, a smiling Abram humbly thanked everyone involved in the process. When asked about the selection procedure, he noted simply that he was "glad to be done."
Ben Abram, your hard work has surely paid off. Congratulations, and I look forward to great things from you.
Allie Vergotz is a Trinity freshman. Her column runs every other Monday.
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