Candidates Shortlisted for Voting List
Oberlin College is set to welcome a new wave of student leaders onto its Board of Trustees, as several graduates and current students have announced their candidacies.
Fay Levin, a recent graduate from the Biology Department, is one such candidate. With her experience leading the Oberlin Pre-Health Society, introducing the health and safety liaison role to the student senate, and serving on various committees, Levin brings a wealth of student advocacy to the table.
Another contender is Darby Jahn, a current student who has made her mark at Oberlin through her involvement in the Varsity Volleyball Team, PAL, OC Votes, Sunrise Oberlin, VIBE Dance, French and Politics Majors committees, and OSTA plays.
Jackie Brick, a former writing tutor, memco in OSCA, Ninde tutor, Review writer, and Student Advisory Board member, is also vying for a seat on the board. Brick has been active in student affairs, leading the staff appreciation thank-you note campaign and running for the Board of Trustees to increase student input and transparency on major decisions.
Sean Norton and Natalie Dufour are also running for the Board of Trustees, each with a focus on representing students and recent alums, and pushing Oberlin to make radical changes to combat financialization, corporatization, and profit maximization. Norton aims to work on the Board to divest from companies supporting Israel and their actions in Gaza, while Dufour seeks to improve the Board by listening openly to students and recent graduates, and pushing for increased transparency of information between the Board and students.
Olivia Wohlgemuth, who has had many meetings with the Chair of the Board and other Trustees about Oberlin's divestment from the Israeli occupation, is running for the Class Trustee position. Arrieanna Solomon is seeking the class-elected position on Oberlin's Board of Trustees, with a focus on bridging the gap between students and leadership, and understanding certain aspects of Oberlin's financial system.
Trevor Sebrane, a 2025 graduate, wants to be a voice to address issues with Oberlin's spending, particularly surrounding food options and housing. Orson Abram, a double-degree student from Oberlin College and Conservatory, majoring in Timara and Cinema and Media, with an English minor, also aims to serve on the Board. Abram brings experience in bringing acclaimed guest artists to Oberlin and being a Barefoot Dialogue facilitator for the Trans Identity and Experience group.
While specific plans from these nominees are yet to be disclosed, it is expected that they will address student concerns through active engagement channels, increase transparency by openly sharing meeting agendas, minutes, decisions, and using digital platforms to communicate updates to the Oberlin community, and foster diversity by emphasizing inclusive recruitment for board membership, considering diverse backgrounds, and promoting equity in policies.
As the selection process unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these student leaders will shape Oberlin's future and champion the voices of its students. For the most accurate and timely information, reviewing official Oberlin College communications, board announcements, or candidate bios closer to or after the trustee selection process would be necessary.
Fay Levin and Trevor Sebrane, both candidates for the Board of Trustees, have shown a commitment to student advocacy and addressing student concerns related to education and self-development. Levin brings student advocacy experience from leading student organizations and serving on committees, while Sebrane aims to address issues with Oberlin's spending, particularly surrounding food options and housing.
