Brenda Tavakoli
STAFF WRITER
The University of Houston Students' Association welcomed a new administration with an atmosphere of warm self-congratulation at Wednesday's inaugural dinner.
In front of a large audience gathered in the Athletics/Alumni Facility to congratulate and welcome, Monica Quintero took oath to officially become the 35th administration's president.
"The hard work during the campaign is just a taste of what lies ahead," she said. "It is my desire to be a fair and effective leader."
After a brief address by William Munson, assistant vice president for student development and dean of students, everal appreciation awards were handed out, and outgoing executives bid their farewells and expressed their gratitude.
Natalie Merritt, 34th administration president, likened her litany of thank-yous to a Grammy award acceptance speech. On a less humorous note, she addressed the ever-pervasive student apathy issue, outlining strategies the new senate can use to combat the problem.
"It would be untruthful for me to say I was pleased with the final weeks of this (administration)," Merritt said, referring to the three special meetings that failed to make quorum and the legislation that died with the administration's end.
However, she said she has hope that student involvement both from within and outside of the Senate will increase.
Donald Large, the outgoing senator representing the UH Law Center, received the award for most outstanding senator. He was not present to claim his award.
Outgoing Vice President Kathryn Alvarado garnered the Presidential Award of Excellence.
"I'm living proof that there's no dream you cannot accomplish," Alvarado said prior to receiving her award.