Kevin Flores (from left), Student Government Association external vice president; Ian Alfaro, SGA president; and Kayla Johnson, SGA internal vice president, raise their hands during the oath of office during the SGA inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus
Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER
Students, faculty and families gathered to watch the 2026-27 UTRGV Student Government Association inauguration, marking the start of a new leadership term.
The event took place Tuesday in the Main Building Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus.
Daniel Alejandro Vera, chair of the Senate, said the inauguration represents a commitment to serve with responsibility and dedication.
During the ceremony, the new executive team took the oath of office. With one hand raised, they promised to follow their duties and protect the SGA constitution.
Senators from different colleges and campuses were called to the stage, and the diversity of students involved and the importance of representing all voices at UTRGV showed, according to Kevin Flores, SGA vice president for external affairs.
SGA President Ian Alfaro said it “feels amazing” to be sworn in.
“It feels like a great responsibility just got attached to me, but I feel very motivated because of the people I have around me,” Alfaro said.
He added he and his team will work to bring new collaborations and initiatives to the university.
“Great leaders surround themselves with great and wise people,” Alfaro said. “We’re going to see a lot more collaborations, and it’s going to be amazing.”
The SGA president, who will be a senior next fall, said he wants to leave a lasting mark and create a strong foundation for his successor.
“I want to strengthen our relationships with the City of Brownsville and the City of Edinburg,” Alfaro said. “So, future SGA members can continue building from that.”
At the end of the event, attendees were invited to meet the newly inaugurated SGA members.
Vera added the inauguration marks not only the beginning of a new team, but also a new opportunity to support and represent students at UTRGV.
Student Government Association senators raise their hands for their oath of office during the SGA inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus, marking the beginning of their official duties as representatives of the student body. Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER 
Kevin Flores, Student Government Association vice president for external affairs, speaks during the 2026-27 SGA inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus. Flores said he wants to build stronger connections and encouraged student involvement through collaboration and service. Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER 
SGA President Ian Alfaro delivers his speech during the 2026-27 Student Government Association inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus, outlining his goals and vision for his upcoming term. Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER Chair of the Senate Daniel Alejandro Vera (from left), as master of ceremonies, leads the 2026-27 Student Government Association inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus. Also shown are Kevin Flores, SGA vice president for external affairs; Ian Alfaro, SGA president; and Kayla Johnson, SGA vice president for internal affairs. Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER Kayla Johnson, Student Government Association vice president for internal affairs, speaks about her plans to strengthen communication with students during the 2026-27 SGA inauguration Tuesday in Salón Cassia on the Brownsville campus. Valeria Tokun Haga/THE RIDER
