Student Government officials acknowledged the close of a turbulent year and the need for student unity in the next year Wednesday night at the SG Banquet.
Former Student Body President Ben Meyers and his successor, Anthony Reynolds, praised SG for making strides throughout Reynolds’ transition from vice president to president and despite several members of the SG staff leaving.
They cited the extended Library West hours, expanded free printing, stalled block tuition and Reitz Union expansion and renovation plans as successes for SG and the Student Body.
About 200 people listened as officials and newly sworn-in Student Body President Tj Villamil urged students to stand together in the upcoming year.
Reynolds reminded them of the Senate motto: “The welfare of the state depends upon the morals of the citizens.”
Reynolds gave out awards to SG officials and created a few of his own, including the Sandy Vernon Leader of Virtue Award, named for the late SG office employee and given to former Senate President Micah Lewis.
After the new executive officials had been sworn into their positions, Villamil urged his audience to get students involved on campus and in government voting. He said they need to prioritize higher education.
“We need to step up right now and make our stand,” he said.
Contact Clare Lennon at clennon@alligator.org.
