Freshmen fight for first office

The nine students vying for the position of freshman class president represent an array of interests, backgrounds and goals. With tactics ranging from posters to poetry, these candidates will be seen on their campaign trail, shaking hands, handing out flyers, and holding doors until the Sept. 29 freshman class elections.

J.M. Aubuchon '08 of Shrewsbury, Mass., hopes to use his powers as president for charity purposes. As a self proclaimed "fund-raising guy" Aubuchon plans to coordinate fundraising events for his classmates. "Whether its $2 or $2000, I feel that it's our job to help."

The president hopeful has volunteered in Lourdes, France, where he assisted the sick staying there. As president of his high school class and captain of his lacrosse team, Aubuchon feels he has the necessary leadership qualities to represent the Class of 2008.

Devin Driscoll '08, of Eugene, Ore., said he feels that his roots give him a different perspective on issues. Driscoll said that he is much more eager to listen to his peers' ideas than to preach to them.

He said he feels that he is approachable and has the ability to synthesize the ideas of many into one voice. Driscoll, an English major, was president of his high school class for four years, a high school cheerleader, president of the drama club, and aspires to be a college professor.

Driscoll is on the Providence College sailing team, and is a very active sports fan. "I want to do whatever it takes to get students to sporting events." Driscoll said that his chief goal as president is to get the Class of 2008 involved and enjoying PC events.

Paul Vasquez '08, of Colchester, Conn., said he is running for president to help his class thrive and make a name for himself. Vasquez was involved in his high school's soccer and lacrosse teams, as well as student government, the yearbook committee, and the drama club.

Vasquez said he feels that his ability to work under pressure distinguishes him from his opponents and gives him the necessary traits of a class president.

Christina Nelson '08, of Atlanta, Ga., came to PC to try something different. Nelson said that her southern hospitality and "deep fried heart," aren't her only characteristics that will secure her role as a strong president.

In a short poem Nelson described that she will "do her best to make the future days each better than the rest." The marketing major was president of her senior class and a member of student council since fifth grade.

Nelson said she feels that it is her fearlessness that will distinguish her from her opponents, making her a promising candidate for the freshman class.

Peter Boggeman '08 of St. Louis, Mo., hopes that he can help his classmates enjoy their first year at PC. "I want everybody to have a good time, that's what we're here for." On his agenda are events such as a "Battle of the Sexes," freshman night at Fenway, and "lots of BBQ's." Boggeman played on his high school lacrosse team and also planned and led retreats for younger students. This presidential candidate wants to get involved in PC life and participated in Urban Action.

Lindsay Walker '08 of Long Island, N.Y., was very active on her high school's student council. As president of her senior class Walker said she began one of the most successful service projects at her high school.

Walker said she succeeded in her efforts going by her motto: "believe that you can make an impact." This candidate hopes she can do the same at PC.

Walker said her ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone in her class, not just specific groups, are happy with all activities and involvement on and off campus. Walker hopes that her ability to relate to people will help her if she is elected.

Tim Lally '08, of Barrington, R.I., said he hopes to bring new and beneficial ideas to the students of his class.

As an undeclared student considering business-related studies, Lally feels that he has the experience needed to represent the Class of 2008.

Lally was his high school class president for two years and a member of his school's soccer and baseball teams. Lally presently has no specific plans for his class, but feels that his easily approachable manner will give him the ability to represent and lead the Class of 2008, and said that he will make necessary changes and get to know his classmates.

Mary Kate Dolan '08, of Naples, Fla., said that her number-one goal is to unite her class and get as many students involved as possible. "I want to bring fresh new ideas to the congress, but also keep PC traditions alive," she said. If elected, Dolan would institute more "mixers" and other social events to unite her class.

Dolan was on her high school's student council for four years, the president of her school's National Beta Club, and the captain of her basketball and swim teams. Dolan, a McVinney Hall resident, sees problems she hopes to fix, such as the condition of her laundry room. She believes that as president she could help influence these issues.

Vanessa Wilczewski '08, of Bronxville, N.Y., shares in Boggeman's desire to show the Class of 2008 a good time.

"I want to have the best four years of my life and I want everyone else to also," she explained. Wilczewsk feels that she can add a lot to the PC community. She said that her campaign will be noticeable. "The third-floor Meagher girls are going to bring this campaign out of control," she noted.