Forum Program Chair Candidacy Statements

Peter Fodroczy
I, Peter Fodroczy, would like to set myself as a candidate for the position of Forum Chair.
After having served on the committee for three eventful semesters I believe that with my ideas,
past experiences and enthusiasm I am ready to make the Forum Committee even more efficient
and successful.
I strongly believe that the JFK Forum is the IOP’s heart as it offers a fantastic arena for
students to hear world’s most important and most inspiring leaders. It is crucial therefore that we
know what issues Harvard undergraduates care the most about. As Forum Chair I will work hard
to maintain and extend our relationship with other student groups on campus. In order to do so, I
will work closely with the new Communications Director on an improved Student Group
Luncheon, which would take place earlier in the semester with more student group leaders.
In order to make advertising more efficient I would introduce a house representative
system and I would reach out to the Government and Economics departments to make it easier to
contact professors and to gain better access to course email lists. To achieve these goals I am
planning on working closely with the IOP executive team.
These are just a few of the key ideas I have in mind for the Forum and I am very much
looking forward to meeting Forum Committee members to discuss my platform and to hear their
suggestions and ideas.

Andrew Velo-Arias
Through my involvement with the Forum Committee I have gained an appreciation for
the significant role the IOP plays in undergraduate life, and I would love an opportunity to help
shape this experience.
Forum events provide students with an opportunity to discuss important issues that affect
our country and allow them to engage with prominent politicians, professors, and other public
figures in a prestigious yet welcoming venue. The Forum also impacts many students on a closer
level when they get a chance to hear from speakers they personally admire. Indeed, many Forum
events highlight the Harvard experience.
The Forum staff's dedication and willingness to incorporate student input in their
decisions make our committee's work meaningful. I realize the importance of cultivating
relationships with student groups and empowering them to make their own proposals and
suggestions heard. As chair, I would do my best to keep the Forum staff informed about the
issues and personalities capturing student interest.
I would also strengthen the relationships we build with other members of our committee
since a lot of our work requires collaboration and teamwork. All committee members play a
critical role in promoting, organizing, and ensuring the smooth functioning of Forum events, and
they should be aware of this essentiality so that they are motivated to share opinions and
continue their great work.
The Forum Committee has been a very rewarding experience for me, and if elected chair,
I would give my strongest effort to make this experience meaningful for my fellow students.