The 101st Associated Students of the University of Wyoming celebrated its first meeting Tuesday night by electing four senators to positions at the Head Table.
“Congratulations on being elected. I am super pumped to work with all of you,” new ASUW President Brett Kahler said prior to the new placements. “Last year’s senate did a great job of coloring the picture of ASUW for the last 100 years. You’re paving the road and coloring the picture for ASUW for the next 100 years.”
The first position that was filled at the Head Table was President Pro Tempore, to which Sen. Josh Messer was elected.
“Sen. Messer has been a pinnacle of leadership during his time and took senate by storm as a freshman,” Sen. Taylor True said when she nominated him.
Sen. Hunter Christensen also was nominated for the position.
The next to be elected was Sen. Trevor Scherlin as Parliamentarian.
“He has deep insight as to how this works. I think a combination of his dedication to leadership and knowledge he will do well in this position,” Messer said when he nominated Scherlin.
Sen. Carolyn Smylie was also nominated for the position by Sen. Randy Elledge.
“Sen. Smylie is a freshman, but I knew her in speech and debate in high school and she’s held student government positions in high school and I think she would be qualified for this position,” Elledge said.
Sen. Eric Ogle also nominated True for the position saying that he believed she would excel in the position as it will be her third year as a member of ASUW. However, True was elected as the Sergeant at Arms instead.
“True has served with distinction for two years and I have no doubt that her third will be just as good. She’s never had a problem calling someone out when they’re doing something and putting them back in their place,” Messer said.
Sen. Claire Dinneen also nominated Sen. Olivia Lim for the position saying that she is “never afraid to ask questions and had no doubt that Lim would take the position seriously.”
Sen. Morgan Powell was also nominated, but declined a nomination and was subsequently elected as Marshal.
“Sen. Powell is about as eloquent as they come. She’ll also base her ultimate decision on facts, regardless of how she feels about an issue,” Messer said after her nomination.
Lim nominated Dinneen for the position stating that Dinneen had a “commanding presence in ASUW.”
Sen. Gabriella Gualano nominated Sen. Crystal Armstrong saying that she was true to her word and True nominated Ogle citing his dedication to staying on top of legislation.
Prior to the elections of Head Table, ASUW advisor Helen Alatorre left the Senate with one thought.
“Are you ready to change the world?” Alatorre asked. “I like to think of this experience as something that can do that very thing. Being a part of Senate is not just about going to meetings, it’s about doing for others.”
