Temo Molina and Ethan Ciancio had their inauguration ceremony on Tuesday in the Ponderosa Room. The ceremony also marked the end of Emily Saadi and her administration’s tenure as Student Body President and Student Regent.
(Molina): Newly inaugurated Student Body Vice President Temo Molina gives his inaugural address. The Sophomore from Stanton was elected unopposed.
While Saadi’s team improved electrical outlet access in the union, worked on better recognition for student organizations, and campus security improvements, there’s one bigger item that stuck out to the outgoing president in her final address.
“This was an opportunity to take away greater leadership skills, advocacy skills, that you can utilize for the rest of your life,” Saadi said. “Whether you’re working in a hospital, or you’re a policymaker, you will always be in situations where there will be people that need your voice to speak up for them.”
The night also was to recognize this years cabinet and their hard work, and recognizing two senators with the outstanding senator of the year award. Normally given to one senator, Logan Johansen and Keenan Torres were both honored. Johansen was instrumental in various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the student senate, while Torres worked on an appeal process for the Student Programming Board.
Faculty and Staff also received awards at the ceremony. Lisa Jelden, lecturer in the Teacher Education department, was awarded outstanding faculty of the year. Moi Castillo, overnight shift supervisor for the Calvin T. Ryan Library, was named outstanding faculty member. The pair were nominated by students during last month’s election and selected by a committee.
(College of Education): Faculty, students, and College of Education Dean Mark Reid surround Lisa Jelden after Tuesday’s inauguration. Jelden was named Outstanding Faculty of the year at the inauguration.
Molina’s inaugural address started by thanking those in attendance, and then congratulating those who were newly elected. Keeping his remarks brief, Molin encouraged the incoming senators, telling them “people in my community and your community told you that you would do a good job.”
“In other words: they believed in you.” Molina said.
Student Senate meetings are every Tuesday at 5:30 in the Ponderosa Room of the Nebraskan Student Union.
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