This past weekend, family, friends, faculty, and Student Government Association (SGA) members came together for SGA’s official oath ceremony, where all members of SGA were officially inducted into their new roles.
The ceremony, which was the second in Emerson’s history, began with a speech from Jennifer Nival, the advisor to SGA and director of Student Engagement and Leadership. Nival often attends SGA’s general assembly meetings and assists the Internal Affairs team.
“[Being a part of SGA] means working together to achieve something greater than yourself” and “[ensuring] that Emerson is a place where everyone can thrive,” Nival said in her speech.
Nandan Nair, the executive president of SGA, was the first to be sworn in. After reciting SGA’s official oath, which discusses upholding and defending SGA’s constitution and advocating for the interests and concerns of the student body, Nair gave a brief speech.
Previously serving on the Financial Advisory Board and as executive treasurer, Nair reflected on his time in SGA. “My journey to this point has served me well,” he said. “[I learned] what it meant to uplift student voices.”
Kayla Armbruster, executive vice president of SGA, was the next to be sworn in. After reciting the oath, which was issued by Nair, she spoke about her decision to run for vice president.
Armbruster explained that while she was initially hesitant to take on the role if given a second chance, she would absolutely run again.
“I would’ve asked more questions, but I would’ve said yes,” she said. “I am so grateful and so glad that I did.”
Oliver Katz, executive treasurer of SGA, was sworn in next. In his speech, Katz spoke about how his previous work on the financial advisory board allowed him to learn more about the Emerson community while managing the budgets and spending of Emerson’s organizations. He highlighted how holding meetings with student leaders helped him understand what each organization valued.
“[We will] keep finding a way to make dreams happen,” he said. “We remain committed to increasing access.”
The swearing-in of Angus Abercrombie as deputy vice treasurer, Georgia Winn as executive secretary, and Josue Valezquez as director of communications followed Katz’s speech.
The academic senate, whose members are elected to represent one academic department or major at SGA’s general assembly meetings, was then sworn in as a group. The next group to be sworn in was the student experience senate. Each member of the student experience senate is elected to “cater to the needs of particular student groups mostly focused on identities” at SGA’s general assembly meetings, according to SGA’s website.
Upon taking to the stage, each academic and student experience senator received a customized name plate with their name and official position as a gift from both the internal affairs team and Nival.
The ceremony concluded with a final speech from Nair. Referencing his favorite quote, Nair advised the newly inducted members to “never fear a storm, but learn to dance in the rain.”
“The best is yet to come,” Nair said, “and SGA is here for the community.”
