The De Anza College Associated Student Body Senate inauguration ceremony took place June 9 in the Hinson Campus Center Fireside Room. The environment was buzzing in anticipation for new senate members to start serving their first year.

Outgoing DASB President Marlo Custodio hosted and emceed the event. He provided words of wisdom and advice to future senators, and introduced De Anza’s President Brian Murphy.

“This campus is so incredibly diverse. You have built a community that inhabits mind, spirit and heart,” Murphy said. “You are building the stuff of democracy.”

Murphy also mentioned that De Anza has a transfer rate of 2,500 students to different colleges each year, and that he would like to see at least 500 students from each class come back and tell him that they have become political organizers and leaders in their community.

“This whole [DASB] experience is about collaboration building and advocating for something,” said Keith Hubbard, former vice president of Environmental Sustainability. “It will guide you toward getting ready for what’s already in place.”

Custodio then introduced a commemorative slideshow for DASB senators of 2009-2010, and passed out scholarships and certificates to administrators, faculty and students.

Some former senate members felt remorseful about leaving their seats. “I’ve made family with DASB, thank you for everything. I’m going to miss you all at Berkeley,” said Jorge “Cheko” Pacheco.

Other senate members took the time to give the incoming members a bit of advice.

“Serving students is the most important thing,” said Wayne Spalding.

“Be confident, be decisive,” said Zhichao “John” Yan.

“Don’t take things too personally and when things get wild and crazy you have to be your own rock,” said Justin Chou. Custodio closed the event with a speech.

“It’s not about the application, it’s about the full time students, the full time parents trying to support their kids, students who failed miserably in high school and are trying for a fresh start,” Custodio said.

“Students with the capability to get into a four year college but don’t have the money, students who have been laid off and are trying to get back into the job force, we do it for them. This goes beyond our campus. We are the torchbearers.”

“We have to inspire people to care and get involved because our community needs it,” incoming DASB President Ze Kenny Li said.

“Our new group of senators for 2010-2011 are motivated and actually care. They don’t do it for the job. They do it because it makes them happy.”

The newly-inaugurated senate has several plans to implement for the 2010-2011 school year, including a bike rental program and cafeteria food vouchers.