"[Sterling's] a great treasurer, he's so remarkably proficient at getting things done," Seton said. "He's been inordinately helpful for student groups who need that $400 check."

Darling says he spends an average of 10 hours a week in the council's office in Holworthy Hall basement, working to get student groups the money the council has allotted them in a timely fashion.

Darling's reputation for getting things done extends beyond the council. He is currently the vice president of the National Senior Classical League, a society of Latin and Greek scholars.

Rebecca L. Rabenstein, an Ohio State junior, is the organization's secretary, and spoke glowingly of Darling's work with the organization.

"He was the treasurer of our national organization," she said. "Part of his job was to have a fundraiser, and he sold every single one of the T-shirts we had--and we had a lot of T-shirts."

Darling's hard work and dedication to the council have earned him the endorsement of the council's leadership--out of 10 possible endorsements, Darling now has seven--but he still has obstacles to overcome.

While competitors like Fentrice D. Driskell '01 and John A. Burton '01 have the endorsements of a healthy collection of student groups, Darling has yet to receive a single one.

Patel, in contrast with Darling, says the council is not her most important activity at Harvard. As much as she values being on the council, she says, "It is a small part of who I am."