It’s been an exciting year for Jesuit higher education! New presidents were inaugurated at eight Jesuit institutions across the country: Canisius University, Fordham University, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Maryland, Rockhurst University, Santa Clara University, Spring Hill College and the University of Detroit Mercy.
We invite you to read excerpts from the speeches they delivered during their installation ceremonies, and to watch highlights from inauguration week activities, now available on YouTube and other platforms. We pray for our new presidents and thank them for their leadership! (Please note: excerpts listed in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent ceremony on March 24, 2023.)
University of Detroit Mercy
“Under my leadership, Detroit Mercy is always going to be a student-centered university and a home for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. It’s going to be a place where first-generation students will always feel at home and that they can and they will succeed. Together at UDM, let’s build an environment where students from lower socio-economic standing can become the first members of their families to attend college. It’s our job to bring hope to the community that we live and that we serve, one student and one family at a time.” – President Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D.
Click here to learn more about President Taylor’s installation on campus at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit on March 24, 2023. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Spring Hill College
“Spring Hill has always been at the forefront of change, especially as it aligns with our mission. As we look forward to the next 200 years, we see this as a time of renewal; a time for paths to success that align with our Jesuit values of faith, justice, learning and service: the cornerstone of our mission.” – President Mary H. Van Brunt, Ph.D.
Click here to learn more about President Van Brunt’s installation on campus at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL on March 17, 2023. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Rockhurst University
“We exist to make our city a better place. We are called to create a more just world through access to all our academic offerings, innovative programs and learning experiences, and transformative education. I am honored to work alongside my Rockhurst companions, and I am honored to serve as president at Rockhurst University.” – President Sandra Cassady, Ph.D.
Click here to learn more about President Cassady’s installation on campus at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO on November 11, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Loyola University Chicago
“What sticks with me is Loyolans’ warmth, their commitment to this University, an awareness of the challenges we face, and yet a sense of optimism about the work ahead. Whatever your role—bring your full self, your full capacity, your full heart and love to the project, your full presence to the people around you.” – President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D.
Click here to learn more about President Reed’s installation on campus at Loyola University Chicago in Chicago on November 3, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Canisius University
“We have lost our ability to have civil discourse in the halls of government and on our campuses with those who are different than we are, forgetting that in spite of our differences we are one human family. We will by our actions rise to meet this moment.” – President Steve K. Stoute, J.D.
Click here to learn more about President Stoute’s installation on campus at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY on October 22, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Fordham University
“Today I am asking you to hope. To have the courage to hope. Not because these are hopeful times; they are not. But because these are urgent times. At a moment of darkening clouds in the world, we gather on this bright, shining day to remember that Fordham has such power to make the world a better place. My dream for Fordham is that we use our resources—especially the brilliance and creativity of our people—to make even more of an impact, starting always in our own community here in the Bronx and expanding outward.” – President Tania Tetlow, J.D.
Click here to learn more about President Tetlow’s installation at the Rose Hill campus of Fordham University in Bronx, NY on October 14, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Loyola University Maryland
“This ceremony is a celebration. And this celebration is not about me—it’s about us. It’s about this incredible university we all believe in and love so passionately. It’s about each of you and the role you play individually and together while writing the next chapter in Loyola’s history. Today gives us the chance to reflect, a chance to dream, and a chance to look forward to all we can achieve together.” – President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D.
Click here to learn more about President Sawyer’s installation on campus at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore on October 12, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.
Santa Clara University
“I see a future for Santa Clara where we are more inclusive and welcoming, and where we continue to increase and enhance our racial, cultural and socioeconomic diversity to better reflect the world we live in. I believe it’s imperative that we embrace our responsibility as a Jesuit, Catholic university to make a greater contribution to social mobility in our society.” – President Julie H. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Click here to learn more about President Sullivan’s installation on campus at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA on October 7, 2022. More highlights from Inauguration Week events can be found here.