GM Week ended Friday with a carnival-like event in the Houston Field House that was comprised of a mechanical bull, toilet-shaped mini go-karts, comical old west portraits, caricatures, a dunking booth, the RPI cheerleaders, and a rock band.

Things started off slowly at 7 pm as technicians were making final adjustments to the rock stage. The Ambulance Club was patrolling the grounds making sure everyone could have fun safely. By 8 pm, the crowd was in full force, cheering exuberantly at the dunking booth and laughing with friends at the mechanical bull and the mini go-kart track. The band, Milf and Cookies, had a good performance with many contemporary songs. At 9:30 pm, the band concluded, and the RPI cheerleading squad took center stage. The routine had some problems, and at one point, the crowd feared a cheerleader was injured after a dangerous fall. Fortunately, she was not hurt and the squad was able to continue their routine.

After the entertainment, several announcements were pronounced. For 2005, the meanest man on campus award was presented to Jean Purtell, operations coordinator of the Union. The crowd applauded enthusiastically as she gracefully accepted her MMOC award.

Next, the RPI Tsunami relief fund announced that not only did they reach their $5,000 goal by Spring Break, but that they, as of Friday, had collected $8,391.49 for the relief effort. Most notable during the award presentations was Jody Coonradt, GM week chairperson. Of all those who received awards or were elected to office, she got the most applause by far. Every time she came up to the stage, the crowd would chant her name. By the crowd’s reaction to Coonradt she is a popular leader and did an excellent job during GM week.

Finally, the election results were declared. The previous Grand Marshal, Mike Dillon, was pleased to give his hat to the new GM, though it was much harder to give up the microphone. He made some light-hearted remarks, jokingly telling the crowd that he did not run again because he did not want to quash his opponents. Grand Marshal winner, Max Yates, won with extensive applause from the crowd. His speech was emotionally packed, looking almost in tears as he stated firmly that he would do everything he vowed in his campaign. Peter Baldwin won another term as President of the Union. The 2005 and 2006 class representatives and officers were then announced; however, many of the 2007 and 2008 results had to be postponed until the ballots could be thoroughly recounted before winners could be declared.

Afterward, a fireworks display was held behind the Field House. The display attracted onlookers from the surrounding area.