Jon Turk, junior in political science, and Chandra Peterson, junior in political science, are officially the Government of Student Body president and vice president.

The inauguration of the new administration took place Monday in the Memorial Union. The event included a keynote speaker, awards and speeches from the outgoing and incoming presidents and vice presidents.

Turk thanked his family, friends and supporters for their hard work that enabled him to be elected, as he delivered a speech that left two audience members in tears.

“This is not a responsibility I take lightly,” Turk said.

Turk said his main focus would be on the issue of student debt.

“No student should ever be denied to attend a university due to the cost of attendance,” he said. “We must find ways to rein in on the cost of tuition.”

Turk said he has already begun working with the Iowa Board of Regents to address the issue of student debt “in the most proper and effective way possible.”

“We need to keep Iowa’s best and brightest in the state,” he said.

Turk said another focus of his will be “revitalizing an iconic ISU area,” — that is, Campustown.

“The Campustown area today is different than the Campustown of previous,” Turk said.

He said he envisions a Campustown that allows students to socialize, work, shop and study.

Turk expressed his excitement about the coming year and called the new senate and cabinet members to action.

“I am confident in my abilities but I am simply one man,” he said.

Turk added that it will take the work and help of everyone to function as a proper body once again.

In closing, Turk quoted the late Ronald Reagan from the 1992 Republican National Convention.

“Well, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – America’s best days are yet to come. Our proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glorious achievements are just ahead,” he said.

Former GSB president Daniel Fischer, senior in agricultural business, expressed his gratitude to the senate and members of the cabinet for all of their hard work and dedication.

Fischer shared some advice he learned from a book on being an effective leader.

He told them to have the courage to stay strong, learn from errors and expect to change and have fun and take time to relax.

“The organization is in good hands with Jon, Chandra and newly elected senators and cabinet members,” Fischer said. “I wish you all of the luck and success possible.”