President of the Class of 2000 Peter Cataldo said one of his greatest priorities is giving back to society -- whether by organizing the Freshman Council or improving recycling programs as part of the environmental club.
"I want to do what I can to change the way things are in the environment, society and in the lives of both people and animals," he said.
Cataldo said he ran for freshman class president precisely because of these motives.
"I consider myself so fortunate to be able to attend a college surrounded by remarkable students and great resources," he said. "I remember all the freshmen I met back in September and how enthused and excited they were. I recall thinking how great it would be to be able to represent so many motivated and fun individuals."
Cataldo said he is filled with pride "knowing that I represent all [freshmen], and I'm trying to make everything the best."
More than halfway through his second term as president, Cataldo said college has been "a test of independence" for him. He said he has learned a great deal about himself in his brief time at the College.
"I've learned you have to have a sense of balance working in your life in terms of academics, social activities and personal activities," he said.
Although he does not pretend to have perfected this sense of balance, Cataldo has managed to juggle academics, employment, Freshman Council activities and intramural basketball.
Cataldo's council activities take up much of his free time. As president, he administers Council meetings and meets with faculty and administration members.
"I also serve as the council's contact person for other groups and clubs on campus," he said. "Plus, I meet with the officers of the other class councils to work on inter-class efforts."
Cataldo said he hopes to provide more freshman activities, such as dances and outdoor trips to places like Sunday River Ski Resort. Cataldo has contributed a little time to the environmental club, and he hopes to become more involved in the club in upcoming months.
In fact, environmental activities are a high priority for him. Through the Council, Cataldo hopes to enhance the recycling program by placing not only aluminum, but also paper and glass recycling containers on every dorm level.
Cataldo's friends and council colleagues say he is a great friend and capable leader.
"With Pete at its helm, freshman council has been successful in organizing important freshman activities ... intended to draw our class together," Freshman Vice-president Noah Phillips '00 said.
Phillips said Cataldo helped build the bonfire, raise money for the class, advocate class concerns to the administration and plan events.
"Pete is a great guy and a cool friend," said Ryoji Takeyama '00. "He's very committed to everything he does which makes him a good leader."
Eddie Le '00, another friend of Cataldo, said "Pete transcends all that a Dartmouth student should be. He is not just a student but a person with character, kindness, goals, dreams, aspirations and the ability to have a good time. At Dartmouth, people look at us as the future and the finest youth of America."
"Pete represents that as a leader and as a friend," he said.
Cataldo said he enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing and ultimate Frisbee, and plans to lead a Dartmouth Outing Club trip sometime during his four years at Dartmouth.
Cataldo is from Rome, NY, where he lives with parents, Peter and Sandra, who he describes as "not intrusive, but always there for me," as well as his sister, Chena.
A self-proclaimed animal lover, he owns a German Shepherd named Babe.
Though his future plans are largely undecided, Cataldo is considering rushing a fraternity, although at this time he has not settled upon a particular house.
He is also undecided upon a major, but is considering law school and a career in politics after graduation.
As for his political career at the College, Cataldo plans to continue his leadership involvement throughout his four years here, though he is unsure in what roles.
