New student senators, officers inaugurated (Photo by John Schreiber, The Daily Campus)

Student senators and spectators gathered in the commons of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center to inaugurate the 93rd SMU Student Senate Tuesday afternoon.

SMU President R. Gerald Turner offered congratulations to those who are moving on and said that a lot of good things have happened this semester, and a lot of progress has been made over the past year. Turner also voiced a special thanks to outgoing Student Body President Liz Healy, who will take over for Melissa Sweat as a student trustee on the SMU Board of Trustees.

Thomas Hailey, Senate advisor, said Healy served the office with “perseverance, dedication and love in her heart.” He also said she has put high expectations on the office of student body president.

Healy said the Senate had become a second home to her, and she took time to reflect on her accomplishments in office including reinstating the SMU Rides program and raising $51,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims.

After three years and 89 Senate meetings, Healy said it was surreal to stand before everyone and deliver her final address as student body president. When she first was inaugurated, she said she had no idea what she was getting herself into.

“I’ve done my best to serve the student body and remain myself along the way,” Healy said.

Healy inaugurated sitting Student Body Vice President Taylor Russ as her replacement. Healy called Russ her best friend and said he kept her honest, made her have fun and supported her along the way.

Before stepping down, Healy thanked her parents, who were in attendance, for their support along with President Turner and the Senate. She then addressed Russ and said, “Our year would not have been as successful without you by my side.”

After giving Russ the oath of office, Healy and Russ shared a hug and then Russ proceeded to give the oath to the new Senate.

Russ said he believes there are three components to good leadership – time management, persistence and determination.

James Caswell, vice president for student affairs at SMU, was in attendance and said he was impressed by both Healy and Russ. “Both of these leaders have what it takes,” Caswell said.