The Ball State University Student Government Association (SGA) held its annual inauguration April 19, and swore in Joseph Gassensmith and Monet Lindstrand as president and vice president, respectively, for the 2023-24 academic year.
“It is a privilege to represent and serve our vibrant and diverse student community,” Gassensmith said.
Both Gassensmith and Lindstrand expressed their appreciation for the current executive board, as well as the outgoing president, Tina Nguyen. As this will be Lindstrand’s second term serving as the vice president, she reflected on her first term.
“This position has taught me a great deal about myself at this university, as I've navigated chairing the Senate and representing student government within the broader governance system,” Lindstrand said. “As I enter my senior year, I cannot wait to tackle many of the initiatives that Joseph and I ran on.”
Both are prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), sexual assault awareness and sustainability, among other platform points.
Nguyen also had last remarks to the Senate.
“On the one hand, I feel excited for the next chapter of my life, [and] on the other hand, I feel sad to be leaving behind a community that has become my support system,” Nguyen said. “When I first took this role, I never could have imagined how much it would mean to serve as your President, [it] has been the greatest privilege and opportunity I've had the pleasure to earn here at Ball State University.”
Nguyen thanked the student body for its support, trust and friendship.
The inauguration also saw Senate and Cabinet awards.
Isaac Ledford won Senator of the Year, which is described as an all-around member, one who is always involved and poured a lot of time into the organization. The Rookie of the Year, an award given out to a first-year member of the organization that has been heavily involved, was given to Hunter Case.
Sarah Owens won Chair of the Year, and Taylor Perry won the Legislative Machine award, a honor for someone who worked hard on passing legislation. Taylor Perry and Skylar Ellis won the Dynamic Duo award for their collaborative efforts throughout the term.
The final award was the Cabinet Member of the Year, given out to a Cabinet member who worked incredibly hard and went “above and beyond.” Leah Craig took it home.
Contact Elijah Poe with comments at elijah.poe@bsu.edu or on Twitter @ElijahPoe4.
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