Incoming and outgoing student leaders engaged in an evening of praise and adulation for themselves, their colleagues and their secretaries Thursday as new leaders were sworn in.
The incoming president and vice president Bill Edwards and Randall Lloyd took over the reigns of student government from departing officers Ben Lowe and Mike Nelson during the inaugural ceremony at Gardner Hall on Thursday.
The inauguration of the new officers of the Associated Students of the University of Utah included about an hour of speeches and a series of swearing-ins in which students and faculty members described the leadership of Lowe and Nelson in glowing terms.
“It’s really humbling to be up here, following up what Ben and Mike have done,” Lloyd said. “[We have] huge shoes to fill, and we don’t even intend to fill them.”
Lowe, the outgoing president, also took the opportunity to praise this year’s leadership of ASUU, listing the opening of the ASUU Child Care Center, the continued partnership with the Tutoring Center, increased financial accountability and the online book exchange as accomplishments of his administration.
“You go home and pat yourselves on the back,” Lowe told the outgoing officers.
Lowe is confident in Edwards’ and Lloyd’s abilities as officers, saying the two are “people we respect who are going to carry out what we’ve done.”
Lowe received a standing ovation from all of the students and faculty members at the event after he concluded his remarks. The audience also gave the ASUU secretaries a standing ovation.
Incoming President Edwards also focused on this year’s administration in his remarks, saying Lowe and Nelson had been motivated by love for U students as leaders.
“That’s really inspired me,” Edwards said.
Edwards also discussed his recently selected cabinet, calling them the “strongest leaders from campus.”
Jay Hart, the outgoing chief of staff expressed respect for the cabinet members who left office last night.
“I can think of no better people,” he said, emotionally. “They’re inspiring, they’re powerful, they’ve accomplished so much.”
Angelina Tsu, the chief justice of the student supreme court swore in the members of the General Assembly, Student Senate and Executive Cabinet.
“It feels great,” said Edwards shortly after he took the oath of office. “Once finals are over it will be really good. We’re ready to get rolling.”
Edwards plans to meet with all of the new cabinet members to “hammer out” goals for next year as soon as finals are over.
Outgoing Vice President Nelson expressed mixed emotions after the ceremony.
“It’s been the most incredible experience,” Nelson said. “I’m excited for Billy and Randall, they’re incredible leaders.”