Student Government president Zack Faircloth and vice president Lindsey Landry were sworn in by Senate Speaker Adam Grashoff on Tuesday in Memorial Tower, marking the beginning of the “Forward” administration.
LSU President F. King Alexander gave opening remarks, reminiscing on his work with now former SG president Andrew Mahtook and former vice president Hannah Knight, adding that he is eager to form the same kind of relationship with Faircloth and Landry.
“I want to have the same one-on-one relationship that I’ve had with [Mahtook and Knight] that I can have with Zack and Lindsey,” Alexander said. “They know that I’m here for them, and I want everyone else to know that too.”
Mahtook and Knight said although they feel bittersweet as their time in office comes to a close, they are excited to watch Faircloth and Landry make their mark on campus.
“Hannah and I relied on [Faircloth and Landry] so much this year,” Mahtook said. “We’ve put so much on [their] plates, and they always delivered perfectly for us.”
Knight said many of her administration’s signature items aimed to improve the lives of students, and she believes some of the long-lasting effects, like the addition of diversity and philanthropy directors in the executive branch and the creation of a Student Bill of Rights, will be continued by the “Forward” administration.
In her closing remarks, Knight noted that the “Here and Now” administration reached out to 322 student organizations, though not all have responded.
Faircloth said his and Landry’s main focus for their administration will be continuing to make connections with students that were started by Mahtook and Knight.
“If we can build relationships with every group across campus, I think we’ll be really successful,” Faircloth said.
After being sworn in, Faircloth remarked on his journey to LSU, noting that neither SG or the University in general were originally part of his plan. He said receiving the Stamps Leadership Scholarship was the first step in forming his important relationship with the University.
“LSU’s become my life, and four years ago, I don’t think I ever would have thought about saying that,” he said.
with a “Geaux Tigers” and the singing of the Alma Mater, Faircloth and Landry officially begin their administration pic.twitter.com/8qhfNpOVsv
— Beth Carter (@bethie_carter) April 12, 2016
Faircloth also highlighted a few initiatives he and Landry have already begun working on, including having a constant student presence at the state Capitol and forming an internship database for students to get connected to Baton Rouge businesses.
“Lindsey and I are excited to get our exec team together … We’re going to make an impact that will last way beyond our time,” he said.
