Katelyn Donnelly, Bronwyn Lewis and Ryan Todd have been chosen as the three finalists for Young Trustee, members of the Young Trustee Nominating Committee announced Tuesday.
The three seniors were selected from a field of eight semifinalists after two days of interviews and discussions with the committee.
"All the candidates we had were excellent, and we felt that these three best exemplified what the students would be looking for in a Young Trustee," said senior Genevieve Cody, Duke Student Government vice president for community interaction and chair of the YTNC.
The Young Trustee serves a three-year term on the Board of Trustees-the first-year as an observer and the next two years as a voting member.
Jordan Giordano, DSG executive vice president and a member of the YTNC, said the committee wanted to select finalists who best understand the undergraduate experience and the variety of viewpoints expressed by the Duke community.
"We're looking for someone who can represent all of the undergraduate population and those three were the most representative," said Giordano, a junior.
All three finalists said their diverse Duke experiences allow them to bring a unique perspective to the Board.
Having been president of the Duke University Union and a resident assistant for Epworth Residence Hall, Donnelly said she would be able to relate the Duke experience in a meaningful way as Young Trustee.
"I have a really diverse perspective of campus, whether it's being a [resident assistant] or leading the largest organization on campus," she said. "I've seen every type of student perspective, and I think that's important [when] speaking to the Board of Trustees."
Lewis said her involvement in the Duke community as co-chair of the First-Year Advisory Council and president of the Honor Council indicated her pride in the undergraduate community.
"The complementary aspect really plays to why I am well prepared for the position, but it also speaks to my genuine interest in the position from the perspective of caring about this place," she said.
Todd, who is president of Campus Council, said his unique experience at Duke and awareness of student issues make him a good candidate for the position.
"I've made a point to listen to a lot of different people and to put myself in their shoes," he said. "I would like to think I represent a lot of people and their perspectives, and I hope that came across in my interview."
Donnelly, Lewis and Todd will speak at general body meetings for DSG and the Intercommunity Council in February. The new Young Trustee will be announced Feb. 20.
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