RUS Elects Co-Presidents as Heads

Kavita Kacholia '98 and Jennifer P. Stevens '98 were elected co-presidents of the Radcliffe Union of Students (RUS) last night. They pledged to foster more interaction with other campus student groups.

Kacholia and Stevens were elected on a secret ballot by an "incredibly close margin" among a field of four candidates, said outgoing co-president Megan L. Peimer '97.

The 27 members present cast ballots, while munching on Oreos, Dizzy Grizzlies and chips and salsa, after listening to short speeches and a question-and-answer session.

Stevens emphasized marketing the revamped and redefined RUS to the Harvard community.

"We need to market ourselves," she said. "We have a great product here that we can market to the rest of the community."

Over the past year, RUS rewrote its constitution and divided into two arms--activism and discussion.

Stevens, who formerly served as a publicity officer, emphasized the importance of having a "constant connection to different types of press on campus.

"It's important to have people know about RUS in a professional, solid way," she said.

Kacholia's supports reaching out to other and getting involved in community service activities.

"I want to see more members lead discussions...with groups like ECHO, Response, and Room 13," Kacholia said.

Kacholia, who has previously served as treasurer and publicity officer of the organization, listed tutoring and volunteer work at battered women's shelters as examples of community service RUS should perform.

She said she would also like to see RUS connect more with Radcliffe administration as well as reach out to first-years.

Kacholia said RUS is a "foundation where other students can come and seek our resources and funding to achieve their goals which are in sync with our goals."

Other officers elected last night include Treasurer Melissa J. Gambol '99; Secretary Michelle L. Murphy '99, who is a Crimson editor; and Publicity Officer Meghna S. Majmudar '99.