Sophomore Andy Oettinger and senior Kelly Witkowski officially took over the presidency of Student Senate during Monday’s meeting, marking the beginning of their term in office.

After being lauded by their peers for the majority of the two-hour meeting, former Senate President Justin Hentges and other members of Senate whose terms were complete left the Tamarack Room during the meeting following a simple, yet powerful statement by Hentges.

“President Oettinger, Vice President Witkowski, you have the helm,” he said.

The University Activities director, senior Ben Licht, spoke of how he and Hentges were anything but friends when Hentges was heading into office.

“A year ago, we basically strongly disliked each other,” Licht said, before explaining how Hentges and Licht quickly built a close and deep friendship.

Twelve different people spoke about Hentges, the final of which being Brandt, which was one of a handful of occasions that caused Hentges to tear up.

Brandt was the next to receive adulation. Organizations director junior Sarah Williams characterized Brandt as an extremely positive person, who kept a great attitude no matter how many things she seemed to be doing at the same time.

“I’ll bet she smiles when she sleeps,” Williams said.

But as with any transition, the recognition of the former leaders’ performance was followed by a look forward to the Oettinger/Witkowski regime.

“I guess this is our ship now,” Oettinger told senate after Hentges left the room, drawing on the analogy Hentges has used during the past few weeks comparing Senate’s operations to that of a ship.

“I just watched `Titanic’ last night, too,” Oettinger joked.

And then, as if on cue, Oettinger’s nameplate he had placed on the speaker’s podium fell to the floor.

“And we’re getting near an iceberg,” Oettinger said as the room filled with laughter.

But there was work to be done. Senate spent most of the meeting’s remaining time to vote members to the Vacancy Committee, Internal Affairs Committee and Elections Review Committee.

The bill calling for the creation of an Advising Ad-Hoc chairperson within the Academic Affairs Commission passed unanimously Monday. The bill requires the committee to present its report and recommendations to senate by May 7.

Oettinger and Witkowski filled the majority of their staff. Just two directorships remain open – those of Information Technology Commission and Student Services Commission – and applications are due by Friday.

Sophomore Allyson Clark was named parliamentarian, freshman Stephanie Buchholtz was named secretary and Chad McCartney was named treasurer.

Appointed directors and their commissions are: Williams, Organizations Commission; Brandt, Student Life and Diversity; Licht, University Activities, junior Andrea Michalski, Academic Affairs; senior Nate Otto, Finance; freshman Sarah Schuh, Intergovernmental Affairs; and junior Krista Schweiner, Public Relations.