“To say I see great things ahead would be an understatement,” said Bill Ross, the new executive director of the Undergraduate Student Senate, in his inaugural address at the 27th Annual Student Leadership Awards and Inauguration last night.

Ross affirmed his plans to lead a visible, involved senate next year and to hold his fellow senators accountable for their campaign promises.

Perhaps taking a cue from Sen. Preston Mitchum’s election platform, he mentioned plans to rid the campus of student apathy.

“We must motivate our fellow students to take a lesson from our president’s vision of an ownership society,” Ross said. “We must encourage them to take a stake in this university, as if they themselves are owners.”

The rising costs of education also made a cameo in Ross’ speech, and his voice became more emphatic as he launched into a call for legislators, administrators and government officials to work toward making higher education more affordable.

“The difficulty in receiving an education should not be determined by the depth of one’s pocketbook but instead by the depth of their desire,” Ross said.

The new USS senators took the oath of office, and the university’s most dedicated and involved students accepted awards amid administration officials, family and friends.

Among the award-winners was outgoing Executive Director Gary Broadbent, who received the Melvyn J. Feinberg Outstanding Senior Award.

“His presence is felt throughout the campus,” said Elizabeth Gittons, assistant director of Campus Life.

Heidi Ludwick, senior advertising account representative for the Stater, won the Distinguished Student Leader Award for her many achievements, including her membership in the Honors College, the Student Alumni Association and Golden Key.

Contact student politics reporter Jessica Rothschuh at [email protected].