A festive crowd of about 30 students cheered loudly as the Student Association executive election results, announced by student trustee Eric Johnson, revealed the DuJuan Smith ticket had won.

“There were no runoffs; it was a clean sweep,” Johnson said. “‘Get Represented’ … got railed.”

The party started around 7:30 p.m. in an apartment on Aspen Court, home to some of the candidates on the Smith ticket. Smith and his running mates, along with the CAB executive officers, uncorked champagne bottles and toasted their supporters and their victory.

They also sang a parting message to their opponents, singing, “Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye,” as a group.

SA president-elect Smith said he had a message for the student body.

“I am because we are. Because we are, therefore I am,” Smith said. “I want to thank every last person who believed in our goals. If you have an issue, please bring it forth to us so we can get it resolved.”

Student Trustee

The student trustee position presented the biggest challenge for the four candidates on the ballot. For any of the candidates to win, they had to get a majority of votes to win.

Early in the night, Andrew Nelms, student trustee-elect, said he felt energized by students’ responses while campaigning.

“I went to one class in the last three days because of campaigning,” Nelms said.

Later, Nelms said the students sent the entire ticket a clear mandate they were the people for the job.

“It is very humbling to have such a big victory in a four-way race,” Nelms said. “That’s very telling.”

Vice President

Daniel Jaquez, SA vice president elect, thanked Smith and his fellow ticket-mates for “taking me under your wings.”

Jaquez talked about his climb to the executive position after failing to win his initial election last semester as an SA senator.

“I ran, didn’t get elected, came to all of the SA Senate meetings and got appointed as a senator,” Jaquez said. “I just want to utilize my previous experience and contribute to NIU.”

Treasurer

Aaron Langguth, SA treasurer elect, beat opponent Phil Stroud by 388 votes. He was so excited by the announcement he could barely talk.

“I am speechless, wow, we worked hard,” Langguth said. “I am glad the students believed in our vision and message. We have next year to do it.”