Newly-elected Class of 2014 presidents Brandan Rivard and Cole Yaverbaum began to show signs of leadership only days after they arrived on the Hill, when they carried their COOT2 leader two and a half miles because she had sprained her ankle. Just a few weeks later, the two first-years joined forces, knocked on residence hall doors and discussed their campaign platform with the Class of 2014.

First-year class president elections ran from September 28 through September 30, when Rivard and Yaverbaum won against Ines Castro ’14 and Wayne Kim ’14 in a run-off vote.

Rivard and Yaverbaum had their fair share of experience to bring to the table, and were drawn to the Hill because of the College’s friendly atmosphere and focus on academics. Rivard, who is from Manchester, New Hampshire, served as Student Government President during his senior year of high school, played on four varsity sports teams and dedicated his free time to coaching third and fourth grade basketball. On the Hill, he plays for the men’s soccer team and plans to major in Economics. Yaverbaum, of Larchmont, New York, held the positions of both SGA Vice President and Treasurer in high school, co-authored a book on the college admissions process and helped build a schoolhouse in Tanzania. She plans to major in English at the College and hopes to participate in the Colby Volunteer Center (CVC) and mentor for Colby Cares About Kids (CCAK).

Rivard and Yaverbaum put a particular stress on accessibility during their campaign. “It’s all about what the people want,” Rivard said. The presidents demonstrated that they understood the importance of being in tune with the student body. Rivard and Yaverbaum wanted the Class of 2014 to understand they were just like their peers: spending their Sundays at Miller Library, getting late- night quesadillas at The Spa and decorating their dorms with Christmas lights. The two wanted the members of the Class of 2014 to feel comfortable introducing themselves and voicing their opinions, whether through e-mails or an anonymous suggestion box. “Don’t hesitate to get to know us!” they both said.

In hopes of unifying the class, Rivard and Yaverbaum plan to hold a class dinner each semester and organize other class-bonding activities. They will be meeting with the rest of the student government shortly, and they can’t wait to discuss their ideas with the executive board. “It’s really what you make of it,” Rivard said, demonstrating his awareness that it was solely up to him and Yaverbaum to take full advantage of their newly acquired position.