The Marquette Student Government officially handed over presidential powers to College of Arts & Sciences junior Brock Banks when he was sworn into office Friday afternoon.

The transfer of power marked the end of College of Business Administration senior Dan Calandriello's tenure as MUSG president.

Before the inauguration, University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild thanked Calandriello and outgoing MUSG Executive Vice President Kristen Kamm, a College of Health Sciences senior, for their "excellent service to the university."

"There were times this year that you (Calandriello and Kamm) and I didn't see eye to eye, but that can be expected and it showed that everyone from MUSG worked to accomplish good things for the students," Wild said. "It was a pleasure and honor to work with each of you."

According to Wild, Banks and Soriano will continue Calandriello and Kamm's tradition because "they will make a positive impact for the students."

Wild also acknowledged Banks' opponent in the MUSG presidential race, Sara Stellpflug, a College of Arts & Sciences junior, for her campaign and service to Marquette.

"The campaign this year was especially impressive, as were the two students who ran for MUSG president, which resulted in the best student voter turnout in memory," Wild said.

According to Banks, the election was "very close" and both groups led very "fantastic campaigns."

"Sara has done a tremendous job," Banks said. "I would love to have her continue with MUSG."

In the end, Banks and his Executive Vice President running mate Sara Soriano, a College of Arts & Sciences sophomore, beat out Stellpflug and her running mate Dan Guenther, a College of Business Administration junior, by 5.4 percent of the vote. This was considerably closer than most expected, as Banks and Soriano led by 15 percent at the primary.

"We were realistic the entire time, we knew it was going to be closer than at the primary and that Sara was going to pick up a lot of swing votes the week leading up to election day," Banks said.

More than 30 students, other top members of the administration and Banks' parents and sister joined Wild at the inauguration.

In his first speech as MUSG president, Banks cited Calandriello as a source of wisdom who gave the advice to "always start your speeches with a joke."

Banks' acceptance speech lasted less than three minutes. He thanked his parents for being the "pillars of strength" he needed throughout the election and concluded he is "excited to take the next step as an organization" and get started.