Student Government Association inaugurates new leadership
Student Government Association Vice President Lyndi Rose and President Jake Hendricks are inaugurated in the Bovee University Center Rotunda Room on April 27.
Traverse City junior Jake Hendricks and Nashville sophomore Lyndi Rose have officially been sworn into office by former Student Government Association President Anna Owens.
Hendricks, the new SGA president, and Rose, the new vice president, followed newly elected members of the organization in pledging to dedicate themselves to representing the student body to the best of their abilities. More than 30 attendees watched the student officials make the pledge April 27 in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.
"Lyndi and I ran for office because we feel this organization can be used to make positive change on this campus," Hendricks said in his inaugural address. "We're proud of all the accomplishments SGA has made this year and we look forward to carrying on that legacy as the voice of the student body."
Hendricks reiterated the four pillars of the Hendricks-Rose presidential ticket: inclusivity, active citizenship, sustainability and civic engagement. He expressed the same sentiments his ticket pushed for during its campaign, saying his administration will focus on interacting with Registered Student Organizations and Greek Life on campus to strengthen relationships between the organizations.
Before passing on her title to Hendricks, Owens was invited by now-former Vice President Derek Sturvist to give the State of the Student Body Address.
"I had no idea how to feel when you convinced me to run last year, and I still have no idea how to feel, but I do know for certain I've loved every minute of working alongside you," he said. "We were a team through our hard moments and our easy moments and our successes and failures; that spirit is what kept me going this whole time."
Owens approached the podium holding a printed speech, but when she reached the microphone, she said the written words were unnecessary.
"This is a celebration," she said. "Nothing that was accomplished this year was something that I did or something that Derek (Sturvist) did. It's all something we did collectively as the Student Government Association. I think each one of you and all the people involved who aren't in this room are who made this year possible."
"This year" included the 24-hour study room pilot program at the Charles V. Park Library, various pieces of legislation, the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' Day on Central Michigan University's calendar, social media campaigns aimed at appreciating student leaders and RSOs on campus and programs and events organized by SGA committees.
Owens thanked general members for attending the two-hour meetings every week and thanked her cabinet for working with her all year, saying she understands she isn't always easy to deal with.
"Thank you so much to everyone who made this year possible, and I'll stop there," she said. "It's been great."
