This is the first story in a five-part series examining the races for Duke Student Government executive positions.
Although Andrew Wisnewski is running unopposed for vice president for community interaction and may appear to have the least-pressured campaign of this year's Duke Student Government executive elections, the lack of competition actually presents a different sort of challenge for him.
"It seems like it's a real benefit, but I see it as a form of pressure," Wisnewski said. "Next year, I will have to continuously prove my legitimacy as the best candidate. My projects will always be under scrutiny, but knowing that, I'll make a further effort."
The sophomore from Worcester, Mass., who plans to major in public policy studies, hopes to promote more events that are co-sponsored by a range of different student groups. To that end, he plans to expand current projects such as Relay for Life, a weekend walking marathon to raise funds for cancer research that is sponsored by a number of student organizations.
"I want to continue this collaborative effort between student organizations and student sponsorship of events," he said.
Wisnewski also looks to improve student interactions with Durham by creating public forums that stimulate a sense of connection with the city. He additionally hopes to establish a stronger relationship between undergraduate and graduate students through mentorship, advising and research collaboration.
Thaniyyah Ahmad, current DSG vice president for community interaction, said Wisnewski's enthusiasm--what she calls his strongest asset-will shape next year's agenda.
"He is just a ball of energy. He is going to try to go another step in soliciting student input and another step into the Durham community," said Ahmad, a senior. "The biggest challenge is that it's a lot more difficult to implement your ideas than to come up with them."
Wisnewski's assets also include the communications skills he gained through his experience on the DSG Student Organization Finance Committee, said SOFC chair Pushpa Raja.
"His ability to listen and then to analyze that information and respond to it will serve him well next year," said Raja, a junior.
Wisnewski, who has been a member of the community interaction committee for the past two years, wants to use this year's successful group dynamics as his model.
"We have a good committee [this year]," Wisnewski said. "I want to establish a sense of work and a sense of friendship on my own committee as well."
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