On Friday, September 20, Dr. James Dlugos was formally installed as the College’s 14th president during an inauguration ceremony in the Harold Alfond Center. Attendees included delegates from across the state and country, representing various colleges and public offices. Inauguration celebrations began Wednesday, September 18, with student, staff and faculty events.
After comments from visiting delegates, Dr. Dlugos addressed the audience. “The College artifacts that have just been presented to me,” Dr. Dlugos said, “contain the stories of our ancestors: the Sisters of Mercy, the dedicated faculty and staff, and the generations of students who have brought as much to us as they have received from us. Together they tell part of the story of how as a community we have arrived at this place. All these people and their stories, with their hopes and dreams, frustrations and achievements, float together and meet us here as life-giving waters.”
President Dlugos continued, “I thank the community that is Saint Joseph’s College for the gift you have given me today, by inviting me and my particular story into your – and now our – ongoing story. And so, on with the story.”