Anderson formally sworn in

Rachel Anderson is the first woman president since 2000.

By Chris Dunn

Published Feb. 6, 2007

In no more than 30 seconds, Missouri Students Association President-elect Rachel Anderson became MSA President Rachel Anderson.

In a roughly equal amount of time, MSA Supreme Court Justice Rachel Frederick swore in Andrew Cafourek as MSA vice president.

Anderson is the first woman president since Susan Manuel, who served in 2000.

These brief exchanges were the focal point of the two-hour-long MSA inauguration ceremony held on Friday evening in Stotler Lounge. Those in attendance included Chancellor Brady Deaton, his wife Anne Deaton, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Cathy Scroggs, other prominent MSA officers and members of Anderson's and Cafourek's families.

Special Events Committee Chairwoman Marissa Sharkey gave the banquet's opening address. Deaton, Department of Student Communication Director Amanda King, Department of Student Services Director Robb Loran and Department of Student Activities Director Nick Trusty also gave brief speeches prior to the dinner. Anderson and Cafourek appointed King and Loran and reappointed Trusty to their positions.

"They've looked at people who have experience and vision for the various departments within MSA," Scroggs said. "They appointed people that want to work with each other, and that's very, very important in MSA."

Dinner constituted the majority of the evening's agenda. The inauguration did not take place until dessert had been served, and the event had reached its final quarter hour.

"It was just exciting because we worked so hard to get to that point," Anderson said. "And then we're there."

Cafourek said he was relieved to get down to business.

"I was just glad to have all the formalities over and to keep working on issues that are important to students," Cafourek said.

Scroggs said Anderson and Cafourek seemed enthusiastic to tackle the responsibilities that their positions entail.

"They seemed very excited about working together as a team," Scroggs said. "I think that's very, very important. I think it's going to be a good year."

Although the two were sworn into their respective offices only days ago, Anderson and Cafourek already have their noses to the grindstone. Anderson said they intend to follow through on their campaign promises, which include the formation of a Greektown Safety Council and the development of an online, major-specific course auditing database.

Scroggs said she is confident in the pair's abilities.

"Their experience in MSA is going to be very valuable," Scroggs said. "I think they're headed for some real great success."

Scroggs said the inauguration left a good impression.

"It was a good night all the way around," she said. "Students were very positive. I think people were feeling really good."