Jay McLaren, a sophomore in agricultural business, was named the 1997-98 Inter-Residence Hall Association Wednesday.

With 371 of the 575 votes, McLaren was declared the winner when the results were announced at 6 p.m. in Friley Hall.

“I wasn’t sure about winning. I knew it was going to be close,” McLaren said.

Other candidates for the position were Julie Anderson, a sophomore in computer engineering, 127 votes; and Elizabeth Holden, a sophomore in pre-chemical engineering, 72 votes.

Rob Wiese, a senior in agricultural studies and president-elect of the Government of the Student Body, has held the position of IRHA president for the past two years.

McLaren said his goals for leading the residence halls next year include more association-wide activities and providing more information about residence hall policies to students.

“I also want to work with the new executive council to get a lot done,” McLaren said.

Elections took place on Tuesday with election booths in all three residence hall associations.

Other winners

Vice president of internal affairs went to Jim Keck, a freshman in biology, who received 307 of the 516 votes cast.

Keck said one of his goals is to change the current policy on posting materials on dorm doors.

He said he also wants to create a Web site for students to give input and concerns about the residence halls.

“I don’t represent all the halls, and I want to get more student input about IRHA. I want people to come to us with their concerns,” Keck said.

Vice president of finance will be James McCollum, a sophomore in electrical engineering, who received 482 of the 485 votes cast.

Vice president of conferences went to Daren Heidgerken, a junior in aerospace engineering, with 349 of the 511 votes.

Vice president of scholarship went to Matthew Greenley, a freshman in biochemistry, who received 507 of the 508 votes cast.

Vice president of environmental awareness went to Michael Pitula, a freshman in liberal arts and sciences, who received all 442 of the votes cast for the position.

Secretary went to Tim Knotts, a freshman in pre-chemical engineering, who received all 238 votes cast.

Executive assistant went to Christina Wray, a junior in sociology, who received 188 votes.

No one ran for the vice president of public relations position.