USC's newly elected Student Government leaders took their oaths of office during Inauguration at Rutledge Chapel on March 20.
University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis gave opening remarks at the inauguration. He congratulated the newly elected officers and thanked the executive team that served this past year.
"We share the privilege of being part of a great university, as well as the responsibility to make USC the best it can be. Our students are at the center of everything that we do, students are the reason that this university exists," Amiridis said. "We're dedicated to providing a great educational experience for all of you, as well as to serving the state of South Carolina as the flagship university."
During the ceremony, Chief Justice of the Constitutional Council Joseph Buchmaier administered the oaths of office to members of the 117th student senate and all executive officers. Each executive member gave an inaugural speech.
Third-year political science and public health student Courtney Tkacs was sworn in as the new student body president.
Tkacs said that she along with her fellow executive members are committed to ensure the university lives up to its potential. She said this includes offering parking and transportation resources that make it more financially practical and the city of Columbia more accessible.
"I'm committed to make sure that every idea is valued, and that we continue to build a campus where we all thrive," Tkacs said. "As I walk around campus, I see students studying, meeting with friends, making the most of their time here, and I can't help but think how lucky am I to serve a university so amazing.
Tkacs said she is optimistic for the future of Student Government and USC because of the passion that every member in Student Government brings. She said that her mission is simple: to serve, empower and uplift the next generation of Gamecocks.
She said reaching the universities potential includes expanding the student experience to improve student outreach, mental health resources, quality academics and advising and ensuring that infrastructure stays up to date with the increasing student population and guaranteeing that students remain the highest priority at the administrative level.
Tkacs said achieving goals also requires funding and the dedicated work of the treasurer's branch to ensure students have access to the resources and to support student organizations and engagement as well as efforts from all of Student Government.
Second-year mass communications student Jordan Richardson was sworn in as the new student body vice president.
Richardson said the executive team is dedicated to make USC students' voices heard in every decision moving forward. He said as a team it can be assured that the university will not only keep students first —but also ensure that each student feels seen, heard and valued.
"As your student body vice president, I'm committed to serving you with all the passion, love and dedication that you've shown me," Richardson said. "Everyone who voted for me believed in our platform and gave us a chance. I'm so excited for the work we will do this year, and I'm honored and blessed to serve you all.
Third-year nursing student Maura Grace Hamilton was sworn in as the speaker of the student senate for the second time.
Hamilton said she is excited to play a small part in USC's extensive history. She said she has never met a group of people that were more passionate, dedicated and selfless than the Student Government members.
"I would hope that every student at this university feels even a fraction of the impact that I have felt on this organization," Hamilton said. "You all are my reason why I chose to run for speaker again. You are all the reason why I'm excited to serve as speaker again — and it is my greatest honor to continue serving alongside you."
Second-year risk management, insurance and finance student Ashley Reynolds was sworn in as the new student body treasurer.
Reynolds said she is excited to serve as the treasurer and will strive to ensure the reimbursement and allocation processes will become more transparent and efficient.
"I know how important it is to ensure that student funds are handled responsibly and that organizations have the financial support they need to thrive," Reynolds said. "This role is not just a title to me, this is an opportunity to serve, to improve and to give back to communities that have given me so much. I'm honored to be in this position, and I promise to work hard every single day to make sure student organizations and individuals feel supported, heard and valued."
Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic support J. Rex Tolliver gave closing remarks at the inauguration.
Tolliver acknowledged the outgoing administration and encouraged the incoming administration.
The 117th student senate will hold its first senate session next Wednesday in the Russell House Theater at 5:30 p.m. All students are welcome to attend these meetings.