Editorial: Totally Panuccio

When Duke Student Government and the Intercommunity Council jointly convene tonight to choose the next undergraduate young trustee, they will be selecting someone for a position that carries tremendous responsibility. The next three years promise to be a critical time for the Board of Trustees, as it monitors the progress of a long-range plan that addresses everything from facilities to residential life to the University's academic priorities.

The next young trustee can aid such a process by bringing vision, knowledge and a decisiveness that is all too rare among undergraduate leaders. Jesse Panuccio exhibits all these qualities.

Panuccio's greatest strength lies in his understanding of the challenges that the University and the Board of Trustees will need to tackle over the next several years. Panuccio has prioritized investment in academic programs and in improving the intellectual atmosphere of campus--broad and thoughtful priorities that Duke must focus on if it desires to compete continually with America's best universities. He has also suggested or initiated specific proposals to push his vision forward.

Moreover, Panuccio brings a depth of knowledge about how Duke works that no other candidate can match. He recognizes that too often the University delays solving problems by delegating responsibility to task forces, but he also understands the pitfalls of autocratic decision-making. As president of the Duke University Union this year, he has a unique perspective on undergraduate social life that, when combined with his focus on academics, makes his agenda informed and daring.

Perhaps nothing better characterizes Panuccio, nor makes him a more exciting candidate, than his decisive, straightforward style. In his work this year with administrators and students, Panuccio has earned a reputation as a leader who asks difficult questions and demands knowledgable answers. Moreover, he has pledged, if elected, to keep in touch with campus figures, something notably lacking among the current young trustees.

Andrew Nurkin, president of Campus Council, has also helped to revive a once-faltering student organization and make it a leading presnce on campus. He brings an unquestionable love for the institution and a holistic vision for Duke's future. Nurkin does not hesitate to speak out about the University's flaws, such as some students' obsession with image and resume-building, the lack of a senior capstone program and the deplorable state of academic advising. Nevertheless, his agenda is less decisive and detailed than that offered by Panuccio, and Nurkin's perspective is less unique than the one Panuccio would bring to the Board.

Like the other two candidates, former Union president Brady Beecham brings a broad perspective to her candidacy, informed by experience and involvement on campus. She also recognizes the need for greater transparency in administrative decision-making. However, Beecham lacks the focus and attention to detail that Panuccio embodies.

This year's slate of young trustee finalists includes three of the most impressive, qualified seniors at the University, and the ICC deserves praise for selecting the group and avoiding last year's selection irregularities. But even in such a competitive field, Panuccio stands head and shoulders above the rest.