Candidates under Consideration for the Primary Vote
In the upcoming election for the Oberlin College Board of Trustees, several nominees have emerged, each bringing unique perspectives and qualifications to the table. Here's a look at some of the key contenders for the Class of 2025.
Darby Jahn, a four-year Oberlin alumna, has a diverse range of experiences to offer. As a member of the Varsity Volleyball Team, a PAL, and an active participant in OC Votes and Sunrise Oberlin, she has demonstrated her commitment to student life and community engagement. Additionally, her involvement in VIBE Dance, the French and Politics Majors committees, and as a co-lead in an OSTA play showcases her passion for the arts and academics.
Trevor Sebrane, another 2025 graduate, has expressed a desire to be a voice for change, particularly focusing on food options and housing. Arrieanna Solomon, a former co-chair of the Student Finance Committee, aims to ensure student voices are meaningfully represented in decisions that shape Oberlin's institution, leveraging her understanding of certain aspects of Oberlin's financial system and how funding can directly impact student life.
Sean Norton intends to represent current students and recent graduates on the Board, advocating for changes to combat the ongoing effects of financialization, corporatization, and profit maximization at Oberlin. He also aims to push Oberlin to divest from companies supporting Israel and their actions in Gaza.
Jackie Brick, a former writing tutor, memco in OSCA, Ninde tutor, Review writer, and Student Advisory Board member at Oberlin, is running for the Board of Trustees to provide more input and transparency on major decisions. Orson Abram, a graduate of Oberlin College and Conservatory, intends to bridge the gap between the Conservatory and College, advocate for neurodiverse and disabled communities on campus, work to keep OSCA intact, and preserve student protests on Oberlin's campus.
Fay Levin, a recent graduate of the Oberlin College Biology Department, is passionate about serving her community. At Oberlin, she led the Oberlin Pre-Health Society, introduced the role of health and safety liaison to the student senate, and was part of various committees. Bryn Kearney, a recent Oberlin College graduate who double majored in Environmental Studies and Economics, is currently serving as a NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellow working with the Rutgers University Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences on various education and engagement initiatives throughout New Jersey.
Olivia Wohlgemuth, an advocate for Oberlin's divestment from the Israeli occupation, has had numerous meetings with the Chair of the Board and other Trustees, and has a deep understanding of the inner workings of the Board, its policies, and its investments. Jonathan Clark is positioned to bring student values to trustee discussion and policy, addressing disconnects like the phasing-out of off-campus housing and the funding of Palestinian genocide.
While specific platforms and qualifications for these nominees may not be explicitly detailed, it is clear that each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives to the table, with a shared commitment to advocating for students and pushing for change at Oberlin College. For more detailed information on the nominees, we encourage readers to check Oberlin College’s official trustee or governance webpages or their most recent announcements.
Education and self-development are key areas of focus for several nominees in the upcoming Oberlin College Board of Trustees election. For instance, Bryn Kearney, a recent Oberlin College graduate, is currently serving as a NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellow working with the Rutgers University Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences on various education and engagement initiatives throughout New Jersey. Additionally, Jackie Brick, a former writing tutor at Oberlin, aims to provide more input and transparency on major decisions as a member of the Board.
