IUSA passes to Kingsolver

WHAT YOU MISSED
A new IU Student Association president was sworn before a crowd of about 30 Sunday in the Faculty Room of the Indiana Memorial Union. New and old IUSA members and their families joined faculty in the celebration of the old IUSA iUnity administration and the ushering in of the new Big Ten administration.

Junior Justin Kingsolver was handed a symbolic gavel by outgoing Student Body President Michael Coleman. The official last day in office for Coleman is Friday.

A LOOK BACK
— Coleman wanted to have an “epic” year, and with five out of six campaign platforms completed, he said he believes it was.

— The iUnity administration is credited for the passing of fall break and the implementation of a GPS bus tracking system.

— Coleman, a senior, will return to campus in the fall for at least a semester but may make a “victory lap” and stay until next May, during which time he’ll act in an ambassadorial role.

— While speaking about the scrutiny IUSA receives from the Indiana Daily Student, Coleman referenced the Jay-Z song “Dirt Off Your Shoulder.”  

— Coleman thanked present administration members Jen Peterson and Sierra Hsieh for their contributions, as well as judicial and congressional members for their additions to IUSA during the course of the last year.

A LOOK AHEAD
— Kingsolver will have to fill about 125 student positions in the coming weeks and months. 

— The Big Ten administration will focus on leadership development — leadership that can tackle big challenges — and respect for tradition while looking for innovative ways to approach problems.

— The new administration will “get done or very close to done” initiatives such as the establishment of a medical amnesty law, an app for campus mapping and powering the Student Recreational Sports Center with human energy.

— Kingsolver said he believes the congressional branch is not utilized enough. He wants to empower members of Congress to take a more active role in their positions, acting more than just a rubber stamp on executive branch initiatives.

MEMORABLE QUOTES
— “It’s going to take a long time for some of the initiatives to come to fruition. Just know some of this will take a long time,” Assistant Dean of Students Steve Veldkamp said.

— “We’re expecting great things for the big shoes that you’ll have to fill, Big Ten ticket,” Veldkamp said. 

— “This administration has done a phenomenal job, and we will continue to do that hard work. I’ll ask for you continued support as we embark on this huge adventure,” Justin Kingsolver, IUSA president-elect, said.

— “I haven’t let it get to me at all. Be strong. Be prepared and have executives be prepared,” said Michael Coleman, outgoing IUSA student body president, on IDS coverage.