Students, university administrators and family members came to honor the new ASUA executive board and senators during their inauguration ceremony on Monday.
The ceremony, held in front of the Arizona State Museum at noon, allowed the outgoing ASUA executive board to give words of advice and symbolic items to the incoming board members.
Outgoing ASUA President Emily Fritze thanked the crowd for three incredible years working in ASUA, which she called both “”challenging”” and “”exhilarating.”” She said that ASUA defined her experience at the UA and helped her learn about life and herself.
“”It has certainly been a wild ride (working in ASUA) … but also the most life-changing,”” she said.
She passed on traditional ASUA presidential items to former Chief of Staff James Allen, the incoming ASUA president, who she called a “”dear friend.””
The items included a spirit stick, a plaque with all of the names of previous ASUA presidents and the “”presidential secret.”” She said that the spirit stick symbolized the life and spirit of the student body, and that the plaque was a visual representation of the legacies and hard work of presidents before him. The secret was not shared with the crowd.
Allen called the inauguration a “”momentous occasion”” for the incoming ASUA representatives because of their passion for service. He said that becoming ASUA president was a goal of his that has grown and transformed.
“”It’s a humbling look when one student believes in you,”” he said. “”For 2,000 students to believe in you takes you back a little bit.””
Allen said that he plans to work hard, build bonds with students from all areas of campus and keep in mind what the previous ASUA administrations taught him: accountability and responsibility.
He added that unity was key for the incoming representatives after the elections.
“”I want to challenge ASUA to demand and foster greatness,”” he said.
Administrative Vice President Brett Ponton, who was elected to a second term, told his new executive board that he was confident in its leadership ability to battle the struggles that lie ahead.
“”Get ready for the ride of your life,”” he said.
Outgoing Executive Vice President Katherine Weingartner told Bryan Ponton, the incoming executive vice president, that overseeing more than 600 clubs was both “”trying”” and “”rewarding.”” She said that she enjoyed working with students everyday to help them pursue their passions.
She also gave Bryan Ponton symbolic items, including an ASUA hard hat to “”help protect from the bumpy road ahead,”” and an official executive vice president gavel to keep the senators in line “”when need be.”” She also gave him a plaque that had the names of all the previous executive vice presidents since 1973. Ponton’s name was added.
“”I’m excited to see how you change the position and make it better,”” she added.
ASUA Supreme Court Justice Jen Dang swore in all incoming ASUA senators and executives.
After the ceremony, family members and friends took pictures with the incoming ASUA representatives. A reception for guests was also held in the ASUA office.
