Student Government leaders were officially sworn in this week at John Carroll University, marking the start of a new administration focused on collaboration, transparency and student-centered leadership.

The inauguration ceremony brought together students, faculty, administrators and outgoing Student Government members to celebrate the transition of leadership and reflect on the organization’s role within the university community. The event highlighted both continuity and new priorities as the incoming executive board outlined its vision for the year ahead.

Quincy Unger ’28 was formally inaugurated as Student Government president, emphasizing five core goals that will guide the administration: collaboration, transparency, deeper involvement with the JCU community, continued improvement of professional development and advising and ethical leadership as new technologies continue to emerge.

“At the core of our administration are five primary goals,” Unger said. “These are not just ideas on paper; we want to turn them into action by strengthening communication between students and administration, expanding access to career and internship resources and creating more pathways for students to feel engaged, represented and supported.”

Unger said the administration plans to build on initiatives started by the previous executive board rather than overhaul existing structures.

“From the previous administration, we absolutely intend to carry forward the strong emphasis on campus safety, productive and respectful senate discourse and meaningful legislative work,” Unger said. “They set a high standard through their professionalism, productivity and focus on student-centered advocacy.”

Vice President Abby Walker ’27 echoed that commitment while outlining plans to increase engagement between Student Government and the student body. Walker said improving visibility and accessibility will allow the organization to better serve students across campus.

“For our vision and priorities, we are committed to increasing student interaction with our organization so that we are better equipped to advocate for and empower our peers by knowing who they are and what they need,” Walker said.

Walker added that the administration hopes to strengthen collaboration among student organizations to foster a more unified campus culture.

“Beyond that, we aspire to continue building a campus of unity, integrity and transparency and we will put this into practice through new initiatives for improving collaboration across student organizations,” she said.

Outgoing Student Government leaders were recognized during the ceremony for their service and contributions over the past year. Several speakers emphasized the importance of continuity in student leadership, particularly during a time of evolving student needs and institutional initiatives.

In his remarks, Unger reflected on the broader mission of the Student Government and its responsibility to serve the entire campus community. He described the organization as both an advocacy body and a bridge between students and university administration.

“Student Government exists to serve the students and the wider JCU community before anything else,” Unger said.

He also shared a personal reflection from his inauguration speech, noting that his understanding of community evolved after arriving at John Carroll.

“I once thought that leaving for college meant leaving my family behind,” Unger said. “What I’ve realized is that I joined another one here.”

Unger emphasized that despite differences in class year, background or faith, students are united by their shared experience at the Jesuit institution in University Heights.“That sense of shared belonging will guide everything we do,” he said.

The new Student Government administration will begin its work immediately as the semester continues, with leaders stressing that student voices will remain central to decision-making throughout the year.