Student Body President Jayden Island was inaugurated into office on Thursday, officially beginning the 69th session of the Student Government Association. 

Alongside Island, Student Body Vice President Anoushka Raju, Chief Justice Vincent Duong and the 25 senators were inaugurated after being elected by their peers earlier this month.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in student government — an era filled with breakthroughs, hope and growth for the future,” Island said in their inaugural address. 

Island started their speech by thanking students. 

“Being able to engage with our student body and better understand the issues affecting them has helped us to develop a strategic plan for what we hope to accomplish during our term and connect with them on a deeper level,” Island said. 

Witnessing uncertainties in higher education and feeling “cast aside” by those who represent students made Island feel as though they couldn’t fit in. But getting involved with student government, Island “bore witness to a true passion for student service.” 

After serving as an underserved senator and undergraduate student advocate, Island still said they felt Wichita State could evolve and better transform its students. One platform point of the Island and Raju campaign was to encourage school spirit. 

Island said choosing Raju as their running mate took them “no time at all.” 

“I knew that there was no one better fit to be my running mate than Anoushka Raju,” Island said. “Her dedication and passion for students is echoed in her various involvements and has only grown through our collaborations in student governance and beyond.” 

A main point of Island’s speech was focused on giving students a voice, saying that they hope students “don’t have to believe that not speaking out is an option.” 

University President Richard Muma opened the inauguration ceremony with words of praise for the former student body presidential administration and hope for the next. 

“Your work in this next year is going to be so exciting, and I can’t wait to work with you,” Muma said.