Government of the Student Body President Adam Gold stepped aside, handing the reins to new GSB President Rob Wiese at Monday night’s inauguration.

GSB executives and officials took their oaths of office for the 1997-98 academic year at a banquet in the Scheman Building.

In his last speech as president, Gold said he has gone through some highs and some lows this past year.

To sum up the year Gold said, “We tried our best.”

Gold thanked many people for their help throughout the year, including Carolyn Jones, outgoing GSB vice president.

“About the middle of the semester I was just about ready to hand my keys over to Mary [GSB receptionist], but Carolyn wouldn’t let me,” Gold said. “Carolyn really stepped up.”

Gold jokingly said one of the reasons Jones didn’t want him to quit was because she didn’t want to be president.

Gold told Wiese and new GSB Vice President Matt McLaren that they were “crazy” for taking the jobs.

“Rob, I don’t even know what to say to you. Get close to the Daily, send flowers, but remember you hold the checkbook,” Gold said. “I’m outta here, and thank you very much.”

Wiese said he and McLaren will try to do the best jobs they can. Wiese said he is pleased that he has a chance to give something back to Iowa State.

In Jones’ farewell speech, she said she learned three important things as vice president. She said she learned the importance of effective communication, that leaders can never please all the people all the time and that politics and personal agendas are counter-productive to the student government.

In her parting words, Jones wished the new administrators good luck and advised them that “it’s not an easy job, but it’s well worth it.”

McLaren said he and Wiese will do their best not to let the students down. He said he thinks they have a lot of people with drive on the cabinet.

GSB senators were also sworn in at the banquet and awards were given for Senator of the Year and Cabinet Member of the Year.

Casey Powers, InterFraternity, was awarded Senator of the Year. Todd Swanson, director of finance, was awarded Cabinet Member of the Year. Theresa Uchytil, LAS, was the recipient of the Jack Trice Scholarship.

Swanson awarded Rodney Morris, TRA, the Golden Scissors Award. Swanson said Morris was the most consistent and thrifty Finance Committee member when it came to allocations.

The 1996-97 Senate will have its final meeting tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Union. Halfway through the meeting, the new Senate will take over.