The Student Interaction Party swept the Student Government executive board election, receiving 3,779 votes of the total 8,873 combined for executive positions.

The results of the election were especially exciting for Ryan Berger, who was elected student body president, because Wednesday was his birthday.

“This is the best 21st birthday, honestly, that anyone could ask for,” Berger said.

Berger added that his favorite part of campaigning the past two days was walking students under an umbrella to and from class talking about the election and student issues.

“It was pouring rain,” Berger said. “I was soaked, but it was worth every second just talking with (students).”

Nearly 2,000 students voted in the election, a number nearing twice as many as the average 1,200 to 1,300 for spring elections.

Results were announced at 10 p.m. Wednesday, following the Student Senate meeting, which ended at approximately 8:10 p.m. Another tally machine had to be brought in to count the ballots after the first broke down part of the way through the counting process, which started around 5 p.m. after the polls closed.

After almost two hours of waiting in and around the Arcola-Tuscola Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, candidates were more than ready to hear the results.

Each of the members of the winning party was speechless at first, responding only with eager smiles.

“I’m so excited,” said Keila Lacy, vice president for Student Affairs. “I’m just truly dedicated and committed to enhancing diversity on campus and representing the students in a positive manner.”

Chelsea Frederick, vice president for Academic Affairs, said she is happy to see the hard work of the group finally pay off.

“We’ve really dotted our I’s and crossed our T’s,” Frederick said.

Andrew Berger, executive vice president, agreed the election “couldn’t have worked out any better.”

“I’m kind of in shock,” said Jillian Ruddy, vice president for Business Affairs. “I know we’re going to get so much done next year.”

Student Government Executive Board

– Ryan Berger – Student Body President – 634 votes

– Andrew Berger – Student Executive Vice President – 624 votes

– Chelsea Frederick – Student Vice President for Academic Affairs – 953 votes

– Keila Lacy – Student Vice President for Student Affairs – 645 votes

– Jillian Ruddy – Student Vice President for Business Affairs – 923 votes

Student Senate Members

On Campus:

– Justin Doty – 754 votes; Cerra Wilson – 713 votes; JC Miller – 707 votes

Off Campus:

– Adam Howell – 980 votes; Jesse Wu – 886 votes; Erin Morettes – 911 votes; Benjamin Jay Marcy – 825 votes; Myla Bradford – 893 votes; Jill David – 949 votes

At Large:

– Angela Zartuche – 782 votes; Kenny Kozik – 748 votes; Kristen Field – 771 votes; Kraig Koch – 747 votes; Dirk Muffler – 803 votes; Heather Janik – 739 votes