The Associated Students of the University of Arizona ushered in new members of the student government at noon on Monday in front of Old Main.
Jen Dang, chief justice of the ASUA Supreme Court, swore in the 10 senators, the administrative vice-president, the executive vice-president and the president.
Fifty seats were set up for parents, friends, faculty and anyone else who wanted to attend.
Proud parents watched with cameras in hand as the inductees marched onstage.
Outgoing ASUA President Chris Nagata welcomed guests.
“”Thank you for coming this afternoon to be with us to celebrate and welcome the new executives and new senators. This is truly a big, defining moment in these students’ lives and we really appreciate your attendance and your participation,”” he said.
The outgoing Administrative Vice President Gabriella Ziccarelli welcomed the new administrative vice president, pre-business sophomore Brett Ponton.
“”Brett has an infectious, positive attitude and an unmatched work ethic,”” Ziccarelli said. “”He has a great passion for students and I have no doubt he will take great care of his position.””
Outgoing Executive Vice President Emily Fritze welcomed her successor, Katherine Weingartner, a public management and policy junior.
“”In my role as executive vice president, I advised the ASUA senators. I can personally attest to her passion and leadership skills in everything she has done. She is absolutely outstanding and I am so excited to work with her next year,”” Fritze said.
“”I can’t believe that it’s already been a year. Last year at inauguration we stood here at the podium and said ASUA will no longer be an office in a white tower far away from constituents and their concerns,”” she added.
Upon bidding farewell to his position and fellow leaders, Nagata welcomed the eighth female ASUA president.
“”I have been very fortunate to work with Emily (Fritze) this year as my executive vice president. I have no doubt that she will do a tremendous job in office,”” he said.
Each leader was given a UA block plaque that will hold their names as well as items unique to the position.
“”This is the first and only spirit stick and it is only fitting that the president of the student body is the guardian of the school spirit,”” Nagata said as he passed the encased stick on to his successor.
Fritze said in her first speech as newly inaugurated president, “”I come before you honored and excited to take on the role of student body president at the UA. I am excited to devote a year of life to this university and its students.””
Fritze expressed concern for the upcoming year.
“”Today I also come before you with apprehension. Apprehension for education in a state that doesn’t always prioritize it, for the university system in Arizona and for higher education in this nation,”” she said.
Fritze ended her speech by expressing her excitement for the future of ASUA and student involvement on campus and ensuring students their voices will be represented in student affairs.
“”I recognize that being student body president will be no easy task. In these unpredictable times, my hope is that ASUA will exist as a stable and consistent voice for students. Our primary duty is to represent the needs and aspirations of students,”” she said.
As the final announcement of “”Bear Down”” was made, parents eagerly approached their students with pride and enthusiasm for their achievements.
Nagata was also on hand to congratulate each elected member and express his feelings toward the incoming student movement.
“”It’s bittersweet, but I hope ASUA will continue to be an open and honest student government that listens to the different perspectives and voices that make the UA a great institution,”” he said.
