The room was all smiles and applause as Kylee Hower and Matthew Phan were inaugurated as president and vice president in an official ceremony on Thursday.
Along with Hower and Phan, Lesly Hernandez, chief justice, and a new Senate were officially installed in their positions.
During her inaugural address, Hower said she is filled with “an overwhelming sense of gratitude and responsibility” as she steps into the role.
Hower thanked Noël Hawkins, her campaign manager, Phan, and her “peers, classmates and (her) friends at Wichita State University.”
Phan was handed the gavel of the Student Senate by Sophie Martins, former student body vice president. Phan will handle Speaker of the Senate duties until the position is filled in a few weeks’ time.
Hernandez received the gavel of the Student Supreme Court from former Chief Justice Maureen Wetta.
Richard Muma, university president, and Teri Hall, vice president for student affairs, both extended their congratulations in speeches before the inauguration took place.
The 67th session of the Student Senate will meet for the first time on Wednesday, April 24.
