HoCo Elections December 2008
Candidacy Statements
Compiled by Annie Chen (09)
All Candidates were asked to respond to these three prompts:
I. What experience do you have that would be relevant to this position?
II. Describe one new initiative that would be helpful for the Dunster House Community.
III. Why do you want this position? What do you have to offer to the community?
CoChair:
Jeffrey J. Phaneuf
Laura Schaffer
Allie Strom
Treasurer:
Tony Fazio
Social Chair:
Michael Baskin
Nick Castaneda
Gary Pelissier
Publicity Chair:
Nathanael Ren
Co-Chair
Jeffrey J. Phaneuf
I.
- Residence in Dunster House since the very day I came to Harvard.
- Participation and facilitation of Dunster HoCo and other Dunster spirit events
- Dunster Open Mic
- Hall Council Representative: NYU Rubin Hall
- Awarded for Distinguished Service to NYU Rubin Hall
- Hist & Lit Peer Adviser (community building)
II.
Freshman Reputation Initiative
There is no reason that freshmen should cry when they find out they are in Dunster, so I suggest a concerted effort to combat the negative reputation that Dunster has. This will include ensuring a Dunster presence at any and all large freshmen events (moose costume, music, D-House chants). We must coordinate this with a series of events meant to inspire active participation in Dunster pride. One possible event would be to make Steven-Schowalter style t-shirts this year as a group instead of purchasing them!
III.
I found out that I would be in Dunster before I even arrived here from NYU. Friends I already knew passed on rumors about Dunster, that it was an unfortunate assignment, that I was getting "stuck" there as a transfer student. They were wrong. And they were wrong, to a great extent, because of the actions of HoCo. Over the past year and a half, I have seen the name of Dunster transformed, not in a way that seems petty and defensive, but with confidence, energy, and grand excitement in house pride. I am overwhelmingly happy to have had a part in that so far.
It is for this reason that I want to run for HoCo. Dunster is a house with a spectacular community and I will do everything in my power to foster that. At night, whether you are studying in the library, pretending to study in the dining hall, or watching VH1 reality shows in the Grille, you are part of Dunster. At house events, whether you're hanging near the door, chatting in the corner, or belligerating on the dance floor, you are part of Dunster. At Harvard-Yale, whether you are behind the table serving hot cider, in the crowd chanting "D-House," or wondering just how and why you ended up in a full body moose suit, you are part of Dunster. I am running for HoCo co-chair to continue the tradition of house spirit and community that HoCo has fulfilled so well in recent years. I offer my hard work, my invigorating spirit, and most of all my undying dedication to the Dunster House spirit.
Co-Chair
Laura Schaffer
I.
II.
I believe that co-hosting events (other than formals) with other houses is something we've never done, but that would be a. fun and b. much easier, as we'd have access to grater funds. We could organize multi-house paint-ball for example, or perhaps a big event on campus.
III.
When I got into Dunster my freshman year, I cried. I was beyond upset. I had heard it was the worst house, and I remember teasing my friends that they would be the one who ended up in "Dumpster." The fact is, I couldn't have been more dead wrong. Dunster IS the best house on campus. And I NEVER want another freshman to feel the way I did again, nor do I want anyone in the house to doubt how awesome we are. We've come a long way since I joined my sophomore year, but we can still do better! As such, I want to do everything I can to bring this community together, through events and other bonding experiences, because the people in this house have so much to offer, and the more we bring them together, the better we are. I believe I am the right person for this: ideas for improving house-life are constantly on my mind, and yet I am also open to ideas from all individuals in the community. I am very social and easy to work with, and am eager to hear everyone's opinions about and ideas for the house. I am dedicated to doing everything I can to provide this house with as much fun, community, and love (!) as possible. In short, I wish to be a HoCo Co-Chair because I know that I have a lot to give to this community, and know that serving as one will most effectively help me give back to the house I've come to love so much.
Co-Chair
Allie Strom
I.
- I set up/planned/ran dunster goat roast in its entirety
- I planned/ran the H-Y tailgate and helped plan a number of happy hours,
- I have taken a major role in making all events run smoothly,
- I ran Dunster gear sales, and
- I have shown responsibility and conscientiousness in all HoCo activities.
- Additionally, I have a great relationship with the Porters, many of the tutors, and the rest of the house.
II.
House collaboration on an additional handbook for new Dunsterites describing what’s great about Dunster and things we wish we knew before we moved into Dunster: shuttle times, where things are in the house, a history of Dunster and Dunster traditions and stories. This would get rising sophomores excited about Dunster.
III.
I love Dunster and the Dunster community a ton, and in the past year of working on HoCo I have worked hard to throw events and build a stronger community in the house. My philosophy on the role of HoCo is that we are an organization that encourages Dunster to get to know one another and enjoy the community that we are all a part of. This can be done most effectively by someone, like me, who enjoys talking with all different members of the house, from the sophomores to the masters and tutors, and is willing to work tirelessly to throw fun social events for the Dunster and Harvard community. My mission as HoCo chair would be to get everyone else in the house to love Dunster and our community as much as I do. I believe that the best way to lead is by example, and I have done so in the past year by taking on jobs that were undesirable as well as desirable, and doing them all with enthusiasm and hard work.
Treasurer
Tony Fazio
I.
- Assistant Treasurer for Sigma Chi
- Performed treasurer-esque duties this summer as an intern
II.
Transparancy. If allowed I would post the most up-to-date budget along with that week's minutes. Furthermore, I would post it to moose list because I feel that it would let HoCo and students understand exactly how the money is being spent.
III.
Dunster means more to me than Castaneda and that’s saying something. I have talked to Dane about the responsibilities and feel I am more than up to the task. I am extremely anal when it comes to running mistake free books and remaining under budget. I will also have an envelope outside my room for people to conveniently place receipts in to get repaid. I have helped out several happy hours and know what it takes to keep one under budget and running smoothly. Additionally I want to keep the budget more transparent than it is now. I think it would provide important info in how we allocate our money and provide concrete data to foster discussion on cutting back on frivolous spending and increasing other area spending. I know I haven't been to the last couple of meetings but that is because I have work on Sunday nights. I have kept up on the minutes and c.Neda has kept me in the loop.
Social Chair
Michael Moosey Baskin
I.
- First Year Outdoor Program Leader
- Wolfie, Boston Latin School’s mascot (experience mascoting in Harvard Stadium)
- Premier Party Host, focusing mainly on bar mitzvah and corporate events, Siagel Productions and Event Solutions
- Resource Efficiency Program guy, Dunster House
- President, Boston Latin School
- President, Temple Israel’s Youth Group
- Vice President of Social Programming, Temple Israel’s Youth Group
- Governor Deval Patrick Facebook Team, founder and manager
- Culture Jammer – silent raves, mp3 experiments, Free Hugs, billboard liberation
- E-Outreach Liaison For Mayor Bart Peterson
- Citywide Community Service Coordinator, Boston’s Mayor’s Youth Council
- Camp Counselor, Camp Kabeyun
- TIME Magazine Person of the Year, 2006
- Friend, Gary Pellisiare (seriously, no one can spell that name)
- Henry the Dunster Moose, pep rally
- Flag Waver, HY game 2008
II.
Next week, we will be throwing a Silent Rave in Lamont Library with loads of Dunsterites in their Dunster gear busting some Dunster moves and passing out some Dunster love. Through the Dunster Jammers Crew we will build community for Dunster today and get freshman excited about Dunster community for tomorrow.
III.
As a sophomore in Dunster I have been welcomed into the Dunster community and have seen what it looks like when people reach out to one another purely for the sake of the community. I feed off of the tremendous amount of spirit in the House and would like to be able to contribute to the growth of this House as the dominant House on campus and as a home that where everyone feels welcome. I feel that as Dunster’s REP I can help add a Green (money saving and sustainable) twist to Dunster events to urge us forward to Green Cup and Strauss Cup victory. With Gary, I will bring new ideas to Dunster and the experience to implement those ideas effectively. I am excited about Dunster Jammer events, Big Sibling – Little Sibling, Sophomore Dinners, and continuing the success of our happy hours. As a Social Co-Chair, I will make sure that our goals are realistic and feed off of the wealth of Moose creativity. Dunster is Funster this year because of the welcome that 2011 received, and we look forward to making sure that 2012 never utters Dumpster House (except as they fight waste and strive to recycle).
Social Chair
Nick Castaneda
I.
- Organized the Election Returns Screening on November 4th
- Organized the pre-pep rally event in the JCR
- Was on the committee for the rave happy hour
- Helped set up for various other events including happy hours and screenings
II.
If we added a school-wide dance to the Dunster social calender, our house could achieve a better reputation among other Harvard students and would enhance House pride among the community. I think the theme of the party should be discussed and chosen by the entire Hoco, but some themes I've been thinking of are: a toga party, a valentine's day party, an 18th century German Philosophers and hoes party.
III.
In April of last year, my blockmates and I sat in Wigg C-12, anxiously awaiting the results of the housing lottery. To be honest, we hadn't really thought of living in Dunster; we foolishly hoped to be place in a nearby house, like Quincy, or Lowell. However, as the Dunster Moose and a score of drunken Dunster residents burst into our room and started a mosh pit, I realized I was mistaken: Dunster was where I belonged. I would be a great Social Chair for Dunster House because I have experience working with hoco, I know how to work in a group, and I have an immeasurable amount of Dunster pride. I have helped out in organizing and setting up numerous Dunster events, and I was in charge of putting together the Election Returns Screening and the Pre-Pep Rally event in the JCR. I understand how Hoco works and I know what it takes to turn a brain storming session into an event. I also understand what it means to work in a group. I am always open to ideas and I will make sure that the work is split evenly among hoco members in a way that won't make any event be too much of a strain on anyone. My most important quality that I can bring to Dunster is my immense Dunster pride. I truly love Duster, to a point
of blind loyalty (fortunately it's not misplaced). Whether or not I am Social Chair, I will do all in my power to increase the quality of house life.
Social Chair
Gary Pelissier
I.
- Member of Crimson Key Society: I'm not afraid to wear bell bottoms, entertain people on tours, or speak loudly in front of people. Also, I've learned to love themed parties.
- President of the Class of 2007 (1,2,3,4): aka impresario of prom, graduation, and other high affairs of Hopkins Academy.
- President of clubs that know how to party: the honor society, mock trial team, international club, and the math team!
- I own a 3-foot stuffed moose.
- I can yell "Who's House?" louder than most.
II.
COMP DUNSTER!: a new initiative, starting the a month or so before housing day, where we advertise Dunster House as if it were a club to be comped (a process all-too familiar to Freshmen). This could include fake, gag applications, "comp socials" at Dunster, postering the Yard, raiding Annenberg, etc. The focus of this is to have fun, engage the current Dunster community, while also getting Freshmen excited about Dunster. No more tears on housing day!
III.
I really like people, but only if they've got what I call the 'Dunster' in them. No, really. When I meet someone, I ask myself, "how 'Dunster' are they?” You probably do it, too. Think about it. What I'm trying to say is, I love Dunster. The people are great, the building is pretty, and it has such wonderfully cozy rooms. What could be a better way to meet people than an n - 5 walk-through?! But my D-Haus love transcends mere appreciation. It motivates me to want to share my love, and to share it with as many people as safely possible. And Michael Baskin (I know how to spell your name, Baskin!) shares this love with
me. This is why we want to be co-social chairs: to share the love! If elected, we will share it, and share it so hard. We decided to run as co-social chairs because we realize the potential Dunster has right now: we're turning people's perceptions, we're moving in the right direction, but there's still a lot to do to share D Haus love with the rest of the Harvard community. We realize this will take a lot of enthusiasm and initiative. We believe we have all of that, and we sincerely think that with our combined energy, Dunster can be great. Er, well, it is great. But 'great-er'? Hmm, well, you know what I mean. And we hope you agree. Meese! Thank you for your consideration.
Publicity Chair
Nathanael Ren
I.
- As far as I know, I am the only Sophomore who has already designed two posters for HoCo.
- Having been elected as the Advertising Manager to oversee the largest business department of the Harvard
Crimson and having been a member on the Business Board, I am confident that I have the leadership skills to stay on top of my tasks for the Publicity Chair position and to accomplish more than I am asked.
- Through the Harvard Crimson Advertising Department, I have had plenty of experience dealing with publicizing different events from recruiters and Harvard Organizations. In fact all of the advertisements you see in the Daily are handled by us.
- I have designed ads for the Crimson in the past and possess the artistic vision to create successful and attractive posters as demonstrated by the posters I have done before. I am also currently designing a website for Veritas Financial Group to increase their publicity.
II.
Much of the communication within Dunster HoCo are achieved through email lists, which has worked in the past but also has been confusing for many. Words are overlooked and things are forgotten. I propose to set up a simple website or even a structured google document that lists the items needed to be accomplished and the items yet to be discussed. I believe it will boost the efficiency both during and outside of HoCo meetings.
III.
Having been involved with HoCo this year, I have seen the great things HoCo can achieve for the student body here at Dunster. My main reasons for joining this position are that I wish to build on top of the good job we are already doing and that I believe I possess the skill sets to get the job done. If elected Publicity Chair, I hope to use my sales and business experience to increase the efficiency of our advertisements both in their effectiveness and cost. We have got a great house and great people, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to expand our presence within the Harvard Community.
