As a candidate for Young Trustee, senior Zach Perret hopes to bring new energy and a new perspective to Duke.
Perret said that if elected, he hopes to address the financial realities of harsh economic times, the housing issues across campus and the explosion of new degrees and campus locations offered by the University. He said being a part of Duke’s greek life will inform his decisions regarding on-campus housing, adding that a re-evaluation of the University’s academic plan is necessary if professors are to meet the needs of an ever-growing student body.
“I understand that it is important to build relationships because an individual’s voice does not go far,” Perret said. “To be an involved Young Trustee you have to do more than attend 12 meetings—to truly be effective you need to interface with trustees, students and administrators. This may be challenging, but I also find it very exciting.”
Perret is currently the president of Duke University Union and he works with students and administrators to manage large budgets and agendas. He said that budgetary know-how is essential to confronting the issue of limited resources.
“I think I have one of the broadest experiences with undergraduates and that interaction with them gives me a great perspective,” Perret said.
Perret also represents the undergraduate constituency on the Institutional Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. The committee reviews and recommends University-wide policies and practices including those concerning philanthropic giving, fundraising initiatives and alumni programming.
“In the committee, I got a taste for the communication skills needed in that environment, and building an ability to be an effective, active and involved member of a group,” Perret said.
As a result of his experiences as an executive leader and as a Board member, Perret said that he has gained a better understanding of how students and administrators interact to solve problems. He has also become more sensitive to the many issues facing students, and said that as a Young Trustee he would work to remain aware of student issues and address them.
Chris Roby, director of the Office of Student Activities and Facilities, said Perret’s efforts in launching the inaugural Bull City Classic matchup between North Carolina Central University and Duke were just one example of his commitment to students because he “consistently had to overcome serious obstacles.” Roby, who advises DUU and focuses on the day-to-day running of the Union, noted that he and Perret cross paths three or four times a week.
“Zach is a champion of the students,” Roby said. “I think he believes that students at Duke are particularly bright and that he enjoys working to make their interests known and realized.”
Senior Garrett Raczek worked on a DukeEngage project with Perret in Medellin, Colombia. Raczek said one of Perret’s greatest accomplishments was his ability to learn Spanish in just two months during his time in South America, as it reflected his motivation, dedication and sense of community.
“Zach went to Colombia without knowing much Spanish, but I remember him practicing all the time and every night even though it was a struggle.” Raczek said. “I think that his learning the language was a product of his motivation.”
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