COLUMBUS -- Kevin R. Filiatraut, the newest student member of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, is no stranger to university service. As an undergraduate at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Filiatraut served as president of the student union, chief justice of the student union and sophomore class president.

Filiatraut, 23, of COLUMBUS, is a Juris Doctor candidate in The Ohio State University College of Law scheduled to graduate in May 2002, and graduated cum laude with a B.A. in history and philosophy from John Carroll University in 1999.

Gov. Bob Taft recently announced Filiatraut's two-year appointment to the board. He replaces Allyson Lowe, whose term expired May 13. Student members of university boards serve for two years. They have no voting power or admittance to executive sessions, but they are encouraged to voice their opinions.

Filiatraut said his decision to seek the trustee appointment came from the satisfaction he received while serving his undergraduate institution.

"It really meant a lot to me to be able to give back to John Carroll, and I'm sure serving as a trustee will give me the same satisfaction while at Ohio State," he said. "It will definitely be an interesting and educational two years -- I look forward to it."

Filiatraut is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. As an undergraduate, he also was vice president of Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, a member of the university planning committee, chairperson of the Executive Board, a member of the university appeals board, and editor of The Handbook of Student Government.

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(LO)