Eighty-five seniors submitted nominating petitions and five-item resumes yesterday to enter next week's class marshal elections, according to officials in the office of Diane Jellis, the associate director of classes and reunions.

Seniors will select eight males and eight females to run in the final elections the following week.

After this election, the field will be narrowed to a total of eight marshals, four representing Harvard and four representing Radcliffe. The top Harvard and Radcliffe vote-getters will hold the titles of First Marshal.

The duties of class marshal, a permanent office, include planning senior activities for Commencement week and other social events during the year, serving as the unofficial co-presidents and vice presidents in the class' reunion tenure and supporting the Gift Office's fund-raising effort.

Daniel V. Alexandre '97, a candidate, said the position of marshal is a good way to achieve class unity.

"In the previous three years, there really has been no way to tie the class together," he said. "It's a good way to show class spirit, to honor people who have contributed to the class experience and a culmination of our time here."

Ubong U. Edemeka '97 said he decided to run after thinking about what Harvard has meant to him in his four years here.

"It's an opportunity to stay in contact with my class, to give back to the school and to make a statement about how much I care about this place," said Edemeka, who is a Crimson editor. "It would be a privilege for me to be thought of as embodying some sort of Harvardian ideal."

Ann Elisabeth Stuart '97 ran mostly because she thinks it will be fun.

"It's a great excuse to keep in touch with my class," she said. "We need someone who is enthusiastic, organized and in touch with what everyone wants to do."

The results of the marshal elections will be announced October 15 and elections for class representatives will begin the following week.

Beginning in November, the Class Secretary, Treasurer and Gift Co-Chairs will be appointed by the Gift Office in collaboration with the First Marshals.

"Any decisions that are made on a class basis should be made peer to peer," said Jellis. "Also, after Harvard-Radcliffe, this position keeps the graduates connected to the University for life.