Elected officials of ASUA passed down keepsakes, advice and the reins of their positions noon yesterday at the official ASUA inauguration on the UA Mall.
Associated Students of the University of Arizona President Cade Bernsen, Executive Vice President Erin Hertzog, Administrative Vice President Cassiopeia Sonn and 10 elected ASUA senators were sworn in for the 2005-2006 school year.
During his inauguration speech, Bernsen, a political science senior, said even though he came to the UA from the University of Texas just a year ago, he would give a voice to UA students passionately and with determination.
"Don't be mistaken," Bernsen said. "I am a Wildcat, I bleed U of A red and blue."
Bernsen said he believes "God has shown (him) a door of opportunity," but he will only be successful taking that opportunity alongside his Cabinet and the other officials.
"They will walk with me, and I with them," Bernsen said.
Former ASUA President Alistair Chapman said Bernsen, the 97th ASUA president, is the first president to come from outside of the student government, which he said is a testament to Bernsen's passion and determination.
Hertzog, a former ASUA senator, said she was excited to begin her duties as executive vice president, but last year's accomplishments would be difficult to follow.
"Sara (Birnbaum) did amazing things for club funding, and I'm going to have to come up with creative ways to make it better," said Hertzog, a journalism junior.
Although students were celebrating the new administration for next year, there was also an element of sadness as officials looked back on the experience of the school year.
"It's a bittersweet day," said Birnbaum, a political science junior. "I'm so excited to give such a tremendous opportunity to someone as qualified as Erin (Hertzog), but the experience has also been such a huge part of my life."
Chapman, a molecular and cellular biology senior, said giving up the position after 12 months in office was "a very tough thing to do," but he said he is confident that Bernsen will be successful next year.
"Cade (Bernsen) has great people working with him, which is something he stressed in his speech," Chapman said. "Together, I'm confident (the new administration) will have a successful and positive impact on campus."
After stressing to the new officers how much help they will need from others next year, Chapman held back tears as he thanked his family, who attended the ceremony, for their support.
"I called my mom my 15th Cabinet member," Chapman said to the crowd. "She's received the brunt of my stress, and I'll be forever appreciative of her support."
As part of tradition, former officials handed over symbolic and inspirational keepsakes such as plaques, a bat and an Arizona Daily Wildcat punching bag.
Jordan Miller, former administrative vice president, gave a cheerleader Barbie doll and a toy bat to Sonn, saying she must cheer on and "go up to bat" on behalf of the 14 programs and services under ASUA.
"I have every confidence you will do an amazing job," said Miller, a marketing senior, to Sonn, a pre-physiology junior.