By PAUL GULLY

Managing Editor

In the largest turn-out on record in an Oakland University student body general election, senior Steve Clark, who, with running mate Dan Evola, received 34.1 percent of the votes, has officially been voted in as OU’s next student body president.

Clark’s victory was announced Friday, March 28 in the Oakland Center’s Fireside Lounge.

In an extremely close election, Clark edged out a victory over Andrew Bashi by seven votes and beat Jordan Twardy by 50.

According to official election results, of the 1699 votes cast for president, Clark and Evola received 580, while Bashi and his running mate Ed Karner received 573. The team of Twardy and Avery Neale garnered 530 votes. There were also 16 write-in votes.

“This was great,” said current Student Body President Rob Meyer. “This was the biggest turn-out in history. Campus apathy may be [lessening].”

Clark, the captain of OU’s soccer team, was still dressed in his practice uniform during the announcement, having left his practice early to be present, according to Evola.

 “The seven vote differential was kind of crazy,” Evola said following the announcement. “We weren’t in the public view as much as Bashi. We relied on my connections with Greek community and Steve’s connections with athletes. We ran more of a personal campaign,” added Evola, a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.

Clark was unavailable for comment following the announcement of his victory, as he had to return to practice.

Twardy, who remained upbeat even in defeat, was glad to see the large voter turn-out.

“This is what we hoped for — people trying to make a difference. I can’t even be disappointed losing,” Twardy said.

“Steve was a gracious winner and I think he is going to be a great leader. I have confidence in him,” he added.

Bashi, who was disappointed by the narrow loss, had no comment regarding Clark’s victory, but said he felt the 2008 campaign “revolutionized the ways elections are going to be held at OU.”

However, Karner, Bashi’s vice presidential nominee, did comment on Clark’s victory, saying, “I certainly hope Clark takes it seriously. The election is only as good as the results it provides.”

Twardy said that he plans to continue to active in OU’s student council with Clark at the helm, while Bashi said he was considering it.

Clark and Evola, who will replace Meyer and Vice President Jameelah Muhammed at semester’s end, will officially preside over their first meeting on April 7 and be working to appoint their executive board.

“I think he has what it takes,” Meyer said of his successor. “He has the leadership … [and] the confidence and support of the student body.”

Clark is senior history major and political science minor. On top of playing for OU’s soccer team, Clark is also the president of Young Life at Oakland University and is a representative for Student Athletic Advisory Council.