Ben McConkey was elected chair of the Central Societies Committee (CSC) for the coming year at the committee’s AGM tonight.
McConkey was secretary of the CSC in the 2019/20 academic year. Previously he has been on the committees of the College Historical Society (the Hist) and Trinity Politics Society. McConkey has also been involved in DU Players and Trinity Vincent de Paul. Most recently, McConkey has been a TFM Editor.
In a statement to The University Times, McConkey said: “I’m really excited for the year ahead. I’ve been so impressed at the excellent innovations that Ultan, Nathan, James, and the Exec have made to adapt society life over the past year, and I hope to build on those.”
“I have experience on the CSC as Secretary, so I’m sure the new committee will be able to hit the ground running and make much needed improvements from day one.”
“A crisis like the pandemic provides a great opportunity for change. We’ll be working to create a new normal, one where the diversity, vibrancy and ingenuity of what societies offer Trinity is amplified & appreciated.”
Second-year English and French student Claire Stafford was elected secretary. She has previously held the role of secretary in Trinity Trad Soc, of which she was chair this year. Stafford was also an executive member of the CSC in its last term.
In a statement to The University Times, Stafford said: “I think this year has shown everyone that the value of societies cannot be undervalued and I feel very privileged to be able to assist the students in keeping them alive and vibrant in Trinity.”
Alice Lennon, a third-year English student was elected treasurer. She served on the executive for the 2020/21 academic year. She was also vice-president and public relations officer of the TCD Christian Union last year, having served as treasurer for the society the previous year.
In a statement to The University Times, Lennon said: “I think we have seen how innovative societies can be and I can’t wait to help societies utilise the upheaval from this year and see them prosper and adapt in the ever-changing environment.”
“There needs to be an overhaul in how we keep society members safe and flourish and I’m ready to tackle that head on. This is a year to initiate change with a fresh new ethos in light of a new Provost and the return to campus.”
International student Sara Rinidi ran uncontested for the position of Amenities Officer.
Eight candidates – Vince Casey, Lara Coady, Lily Mahon, Daniela Williams, Olivia Moore, Daniel Pender, and Daria Vecchio – were nominated for the eight positions on the executive, and were subsequently elected.
