Queens Supreme Court Justice Administers Oath to Newly Elected SGA Executive Officers

It was a momentous evening filled with joy and emotion as the 2024-2025 York College Student Government Association (SGA) executive board was formally sworn in by Judge Cassandra Johnson, Justice of NYS Supreme Court. The ceremony, held last Tuesday in the faculty dining room, was attended by SGA  family members, friends, and classmates.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by interim President Claudia Schrader, who told the SGA officers, “You don’t realize it now, but in 5, 10, 20 years you are going to look back at this time and you’re just going to be amazed at how far you have come because I can see each one of you leading an office, managing people, becoming a judge, a lawyer, a doctor. You’re sitting right in front of me, and I hope you remember this is one of those special moments when you step into the future awaiting you.”

Judge Johnson of the 11th Judicial District administered the oath of office to the SGA executive board. It was her second time swearing in York’s SGA officers. “May I be the first to congratulate you all for the courage to take on this important responsibility; to serve as the voice of York College’s largest and most diverse student body. I’m confident that your leadership, energy and insights will carry this institution to its next greater heights.”

After being sworn in, Dr. Karen Williams, vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, pinned each officer with a York Lapel Pin. For a complete list of the newly elected Executive Board, University Student Senate Delegates, and Senators for the 2024-2025 academic year visit the 2024-2025 SGA Members webpage.

The evening’s keynote speaker was York Alum Rachelle Antoine, manager of External Relations and Community Outreach at JFK Redevelopment Program, who reflected and shared her own journey as a new student, an SGA president, and the keys to becoming a great leader. Emotional closing remarks were given by new SGA President Joah Joseph, who, through tears, expressed gratitude for the support she has received. “I really love all of you and I really love working with all of you. I appreciate everything. York College has done a lot, and I really thank everyone who is here for me. I see how amazing it is to work with all of you as a team.”

For more information about the SGA and its initiatives, please visit our Student Government Association website.