Ceremony in Rutledge Chapel marks start of new terms
The oaths were solemn, but the speeches and atmosphere were lighthearted Wednesday afternoon as a new group of excited Student Government leaders gathered for the organization's annual inauguration in Rutledge Chapel.
New senate members fidgeted in their formal attire in the balmy afternoon air on the Horseshoe as they waited to proceed into the chapel at 4 p.m. the time the ceremony was set to start.
Soon, they and the newly elected executive members, who each had a large white corsage pinned to his chest, had proudly filed in and taken seats. A smile flickered across the face of Student Body President-elect Kenny Tracy. Vice President-elect Chase Mizzell sat comfortably in his usual suit and bow tie. Treasurer-elect Coy Gibson flipped his hair nervously as he looked out on the assembled crowd of students, faculty, administration, some board of trustees members and even Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin.
Vocalist Kelsey Harrison sang the Star Spangled Banner and USC's alma mater, kicking off the ceremony on some particularly high notes that drew applause and impressed looks.
After the senate-elect stood as a group to be inaugurated by SG Chief Justice Chris Campbell, Gibson, Mizzell and Tracy were introduced one-by-one, sworn in and stood to give speeches. Each started by thanking his supporters, friends and family (Tracy pointed out his roommates in the back, who whooped in unison).
Gibson focused on teamwork, crediting SG as a group for working to put together programs such as the student tailgate, Carolina Cab and Student Legal Services. His introduction mentioned his love of Tom Hanks movies and he referenced it, quoting Hanks' character in "A League of Their Own," who said about baseball that "If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it." Gibson applied the saying to SG and commended the hard work he said each member puts in.
After a lengthy introduction detailing his resume of involvement at USC, Mizzell emphasized the purpose of the organization — representing students and working to better the university experience. He quoted former U.S. President Jimmy Carter's inaugural address, saying, "We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles."
Tracy used his speech to cite his transition from a quiet high school kid to the president of the university's student body. He pointed to other leaders at the university and said their guidance has helped mold him and will make him an effective president.
Tracy attributed his chosen quotation from Apple founder Steve Jobs: "You won't realize the distance you've walked until you take a look around and realize how far you've been."
USC President Harris Pastides spoke after the three new executives, saying that while the day is one for celebration, he doesn't dwell on his inauguration but looks to the future — and the new elected officials should do the same.
"It's not what we did today, but what we will do tomorrow," Pastides said.
But as the chapel emptied, the congregation spilled out onto the Horseshoe, taking pictures, talking and laughing as it made its way over to Pastides' house for a reception. The new senate's first meeting was quickly approaching — it started around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening.
For a few hours, though, it was a time for celebration.