New members of the Student Association executive branch were officially sworn in at the student government’s end-of-the-year banquet Tuesday. The SA also recognized the efforts of this year’s executives and outstanding members.
SA President Adam Telle acknowledged the successes of his predecessors in his inaugural address.
“We’ve got big shoes to fill,” Telle said about the outgoing executive members. “I’m thankful that I have such a great administration to build on.” Telle also briefly spoke about his ideas for next year’s SA, including plans to lower the attrition rates of freshmen.
Telle, Vice President Jeremy England, Secretary Katherine Sinele, Treasurer Kathryn Spencer and Attorney General Jon David Cole were given the oath office by outgoing President Josh Blades.
Telle also named the remaining members of the executive branch. Telle appointed Brian Havard to the chief of staff position, Laurette Clark to assistant chief of staff, Lamonte Stamps as executive assistant and Seth Stevens as assistant executive assistant.
The event began with outgoing Vice President Juan McCullum presenting Edward Sanders with the Hank Flick Award, which recognizes the best SA senator. Sanders also won the award last year. The award is voted on by the Senate.
McCullum said the SA Senate had gathered earlier to pick the outstanding member for 2003-2004.
Brian Freedman, this year’s assistant chief of staff, announced a tie for the award for SA Cabinet member of the year. Brian Havard was chosen for his work on the gubernatorial debate last semester. Travis Wolfe also received the honor for his efforts in last fall’s Bulldog Bash, Freedman said.
Outgoing Treasurer Christina Dennery presented Donna Maykowski with a special award for her dedicated service as the SA office assistant.
“(Maykowski) always knows what’s going on, and if you let her know about what’s coming up next, she’s always willing to help out anyway she can,” Dennery said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Jimmy Abraham thanked the SA for its work during the academic year.
“You’ve represented this institution in an outstanding manner,” Abraham said. “First of all, thank you for making the institution of Mississippi State University your choice. And thank you for stepping up to the plate and making stuff happen.”
The night of recognition and honors belonged to outgoing Blades, though. In addition to Abraham awarding Blades the Division of Student Affairs award for outstanding student leader, outgoing Attorney General Hunter Jones, gave Blades some special gifts from members of the executive branch.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do any of that without Josh Blades in charge of us,” Jones said.
University President Charles Lee took the podium and told the audience years from now they would look back on the night and realize it was the best time of their lives. He also told the attending parents of some of the SA members that they had so much to be proud of because of their children’s achievements.
“I never saw a group of students who has such a ‘can-do’ attitude,” Lee said.
“I could never expect to have someone leading the student government with whom I’m so proud of, and with who I’ve had so much fun,” Lee said to Blades.
Lee later joked with Blades about upcoming employment after college, and said he knew Blades would need a good tie to wear to job interviews.
At that point, Lee took off his maroon tie and placed it around Blades’ neck.
Blades then delivered his last address as the president of the student body. He thanked several individuals and groups who he said helped him throughout his term in office.
“I’m standing up here today because of my family and their constant support for 21 years,” Blades said with tears in his eyes.
“I want to thank the students who gave me the opportunity to be here tonight.” Blades added. “We have the best student body in the nation, and don’t let anybody tell you different.”
Blades ended his speech by thanking the Senate, Cabinet and Executive officers for their support and hard work
“I’ve spent four years working for the SA, and it’s been the best four years of my life,” Blades added.