DKE brother is elected IFC president

Penn's Inter Fraternity Council elected a new executive board last night, selecting Delta Kappa Epsilon brother Mark Zimring as its next president. The election of Zimring marks the end of Alpha Chi Rho brother Andrew Mandelbaum's term as head of the IFC -- one that was relatively quiet compared to previous years when alcohol-related incidents and rush violations took center stage. "Andrew did a really unbelievable job, so hopefully we can keep it at the same level," Zimring said, noting the IFC's strong membership and its commitment to academics and community service. "If we keep things quiet, then it's a good thing." Though Zimring's new administration will not formally be inaugurated until spring rush, the College junior has already started to chart the course for next year -- including piecing together a new 21st Century Plan. "I'm pretty exited about the opportunity to represent the Greek system and look forward to working with the administration to develop a new plan for the Greek system for the 21st century," he said. The original 21st Century Plan -- a document written in 1996 -- has focused the IFC's agenda on issues such as academics, faculty interaction and new member education -- but is set to expire at the end of this year. Zimring said his administration also hopes to foster community among the other Greek organizations at Penn. "We'd love to have the opportunity to work with Panhel and Big-C to get the whole Greek system working together," Zimring said. And Mandelbaum emphasized that "Mark has been instrumental in [the IFC's] relationship with Civic House this year." Zimring, a Massachusetts native, is currently the IFC vice president for community service. At DKE, he is the community service and fall rush chair. Besides his involvement in Greek life, Zimring is an offensive lineman for the sprint football team. Zimring will be joined on the IFC board by Alpha Epsilon Pi brother and College junior Lee Gerson, who was named executive vice president. Ben Haefele, a Kappa Sigma brother and Wharton junior, was named Judicial Inquiry Board manager and Phi Kappa Sigma brother and College junior Michael Aronson will be the new vice president for rush. Alex Ropper, a Tau Epsilon Pi brother and College junior, was tapped as vice president for community service. And Alpha Chi Rho brother and College sophomore Bill Snyder was named vice president for academics. Trey Best, a Pi Kappa Alpha brother and College junior, was chosen as secretary. And Stu Torch, a Phi Kappa Psi brother and College junior, was elected treasurer. Each of the candidates for president gave a five-minute speech and two speeches by non-board members were made for each candidate. Other candidates had three minutes to speak, and all candidates had a two-minute question-and-answer session. Each fraternity was allowed one vote per position at the elections, which were closed to the public.