Diya

In a talented and deep pool for Duke Student Government president, Elliott Wolf stands apart for his enthusiasm, leadership and advocacy.

Wolf has put himself on the line before for students. He has accomplished what many thought impossible, a course evaluation site, by his own initiative. Who else would, absent any defined role, schedule meetings with administrators and push for results? Who else would sit through DSG meetings just to understand proceedings? His Chronicle column has even drawn students into Duke's financial minutiae. Diya is impressed by his proactivity, but even more by his natural feel for the needs of the student body.

Is Wolf a one-man army? Unlikely, given that he has successfully led the AB Duke Recruitment Committee by delegating tasks, encouraging subordinates, receiving feedback and demanding strict accountability. Wolf's course evaluation site, initially a solo effort, has now partnered with Arts & Sciences and the computer science department. A successful DSG President must be able to lead effectively and work with others.

It is obvious Wolf will neither fear nor appease the administration as President. Diya questioned if he will moderate his oppositional tendencies to work effectively and cautioned him that fear-mongering will get him nowhere. We concluded that his activism would be best for the University and its students and that he has already kept the best interests of the students in mind instead of being a mere demagogue.

Diya was also impressed by Felix Li. He has been entrepreneurial as the co-founder of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Project XY and especially with the Center for Race Relations. He has built strong relations with a diverse range of people and remained accessible. His experience meshes well with Diya's agenda of promoting cultural awareness. Most importantly, we can trust him to be a moderate and a team player.

Ultimately, given his track record of listening to undergraduates, vociferous advocacy, and proven leadership skills, Diya believes that Wolf is the candidate most likely to bring change where needed and renew our faith in student government. Diya endorses Elliott Wolf for DSG President.

Sweta Patel

Trinity '07