At the annual College of Law charity auction held on March 9, Jeff Weisman, a first year law student, could have bid on a night of scotch tasting with faculty members. He could have been pampered as “student of the day” or enjoyed a day of golfing, while networking with the alumni development staff. But Weisman, class representative in the Student Bar Association, opted to put in a full days work Monday as “Dean for the Day” in exchange for his bid – and he could not be more relaxed.

Weisman, 23, who received a dual Bachelor’s degree in biology and philosophy and a Master’s degree in biology from the University, took on the duties that Dean Heidi Hurd deals with on a daily basis, while she was out of her office Monday. He spent the day talking to alumni, discussing ways to bridge alumni and student affairs and addressing everyday student problems.

Sitting at Dean Hurd’s desk, with her initials, “HMH,” in large gold letters mounted on the wall behind him, Weisman walked around the office like it was his own. He said he was very happy to be in the office and the position for a day.

“As soon as I heard (this prize) was available this fall, I knew it was for me,” Weisman said. “Dean Hurd is doing a fabulous job, but I wanted to get in here and help out.”

Although Weisman periodically granted “executive privilege” to his classmates to treat themselves to refreshments and laughed off the occasional playful requests for raises and tenures from his professors, he did not treat his position as a joke.

Dave Johnson, assistant dean of communications in the College of Law, said Dean Hurd’s shoes are a large pair to fill, and it is no easy task to be an administrator.

“To be a dean, you need to be relentless in utilizing an incredibly diverse set of skills,” Johnson said. “You need to be a great public speaker and a great teacher, then be able to be a great administrator and personnel manager.”

Daniel Hwang, second year law student and outgoing Student Bar Association president, said Weisman was up to the challenge.

“Jeff understands the relationship between the students, the surrounding community, the faculty and alumni,” Hwang said.

Weisman explained that this opportunity reflects the trust that exists between students and administrators in the College of Law. He said student involvement in decision-making, fundraising and admissions in the college is not something you see at most law schools.

Assistant Dean Virginia Vermillion said Weisman was the perfect student for the job.

“Law school is about enthusiasm and reputation, and if Jeff is not enthusiastic, he is nothing,” Vermillion said. “He will certainly earn his title.”

Vermillion explained the charity auction has been in existence for at least 25 years. She said the “Dean for a Day” prize is the “highlight of the auction,” because students want to take advantage of the networking opportunity.

The auction, sponsored by the Public Interest Law Foundation and the Student Bar Association, is held annually to raise funding for students who plan to work in public interest positions during the summer.

Weisman said roughly $15,000 in student funds was raised at the auction. Although he did not wish to disclose the exact amount that was spent on his prize, he said “a coalition of student leaders” combined their efforts and funds to put him in the position.

“They knew that I am the man for the job,” Weisman joked.

Although there was talk among students about creating an event that would allow a dean be a student for a day, few faculty members were very keen on the idea.

“All the deans have already been students,” Vermillion said, laughing. “We don’t need to go back.”