A roar erupted from the back of the Campanile Room Thursday night when Government of the Student Body Election Commissioner Michel Pogge announced to the crowd of senators, executives, candidates and supporters that Ben Golding and Lisa Dlouhy will succeed Matt Craft and Garrett Toay as GSB president and vice president.

Due to efforts by the candidates and the GSB Election Commission, voter turnout was about double that of the 1999 election. More than 3,000 students voted, doubling last year’s 1,500 student turnout.

Golding, senior in construction engineering, and Dlouhy, junior in genetics, received 1,110 votes for the executive positions, beating their nearest opponents by more than 250 votes.

Rick Cordaro and Alex Olson received 858 votes, Matt Welk and Kara Ladlie received 552 votes, and Wendell Mosby and Luke Howell received 349 votes.

“I’m shaking right now,” said Golding, current engineering senator from Cedar Rapids. “I can’t believe it. Thanks to the students for having faith in us and faith in the system and just going out to vote.”

Golding said he was impressed by the other candidate slates and admired the way the campaign was conducted.

“I know Lisa agrees that a big thank you goes out to the other candidates for running a very fair and very clean campaign,” he said.

Dlouhy, current off-campus senator from Bettendorf, said she was “amazed” at the outcome of the elections.

“I can’t get over it,” she said. “It’s an incredible feeling to know that 1,100 people believe in us and our goals.”

Craft said student feedback is vital to the success of the new student body leaders.

“The key is, whether or not you voted for Ben and Lisa, you have to keep giving them feedback throughout the year,” he said. “That was the best thing for me. They’re in, so work with them.”

Dlouhy said the campaign for GSB executive was an emotional roller coaster. “Ben has been so supportive of me, and that’s a tough job. He is awesome,” she said.

Ladlie, junior in agricultural education, said she enjoyed campaigning for GSB office.

“I got a really good feeling from [the campaign],” she said. “Running for GSB was a very positive experience. We went in as underdogs, but everyone gave us respect and made us feel welcome. It was fun.”

For now, Ladlie said, her focus will return to her school work. But she said her interest in student leadership is undaunted.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you see us next year,” Ladlie said.

The other candidates could not be reached for comment.

Jeremy Peterson, current business senator who was reelected, said he is excited about the next year of service on GSB.

“I think Ben and Lisa will do a great job,” he said. “I’m excited to be on their senate.”

Craft offered his successor some words of wisdom. “Tonight’s the best night,” he told Golding. “Tonight, everyone is your friend.”