The recently elected executive members and senators of Student Government were officially sworn into their positions at the March 19 inauguration at USC's Rutledge Chapel.
The inauguration began with opening remarks from Elections Commissioner Tristan Bonomo. He stated that after watching two opposing candidates shake hands following the elections results, it gave him confidence in the future of Student Government because those in office aren’t there for selfish reasons.
“They're here because they care. They care about their classmates, their professors, their school, but most importantly, because they have an internal desire to help other people's lives improve,” Bonomo said. “And they can do that through the vehicle of advocating and fighting for results that give everyone a better USC experience.”
Following Bonomo’s remarks, USC President Michael Amiridis reflected on the time the previous executive members spent in office while congratulating the new members on their positions. He told the new Student Government members to put the student body first and offered his own personal experience as advice on leadership.
“We learn by listening to other voices, not by speaking more loudly than everybody else,” Amiridis said.
Following Amiridis’ statements, Associate Justice of the Constitutional Council Tyler Frintner delivered the oaths of office for the senators of the 118th student senate. He then delivered the oaths of office for Treasurer Ashley Reynolds, Speaker of the Student Senate Kiki D’Apolito, Vice President Myron Harris and President Cole Rotondo. Each delivered an address after they took their oaths.
Reynolds, who is returning in her role as student body treasurer, thanked her executive team from the 2025-26 term and said she is looking forward to continuing her work.
“I'm eager to continue the development of our partial funding system,” Reynolds said. “I'm eager to continue working with the amazing administrators that continue to help our university function and progress. I'm eager to continue to advocate for the student body in rooms that I get the pleasure of being invited into.”
As a returning executive member, she provided her fellow executive members for the 2026-27 term with advice.
“To my fellow executives for this next year, your titles are temporary; your impact does not have to be,” Reynolds said.
D’Apolito discussed her time as a student senator and how she feels it has prepared her to take over as speaker. She thanked those who guided her throughout Student Government and said her main goal is to strengthen the senate so they can bolster their impact on campus.
“During my time in the senate, I have learned that representation is not just about holding a position or passing legislation,” D’Apolito said. “Representation means listening, understanding and turning students' concerns into meaningful action. This year, my goal is simple: make representation a reality for every student on our campus.”
Harris said he hopes to build on the foundation of his preceding vice president, Jordan Richardson, who he said made the vice president’s branch more approachable for students. He told the other new members of Student Government that he looks forward to working with them in the 2026-27 term.
“Together I hope we can make this university even better for students, not just now, but for generations to come,” Harris said.
Rotondo talked about his journey to USC as an out-of-state student and how he found belonging at USC. He thanked those who helped him become student body president and discussed his plans for the university under the pillars of safety, infrastructure and student experience.
Rotondo said the strength of Student Government comes from all its members, and he wants his time as president to reflect that.
“I want to conduct Student Government in a way that encourages each member to do the best work they can do and be the best leader they can be,” Rotondo said. “I want to be a president who amplifies the voices of Student Government and the student body.”
The inauguration concluded with closing remarks from Vice President for Student Affairs and Academic Support J. Rex Tolliver. Similar to Amiridis, he reflected on the service of the previous executive members while providing advice to the new Student Government members.
“I'm gonna encourage you to stay curious,” Tolliver said. “Curiosity is what will propel us forward.”