(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
MADISON — Friday, Oct. 24, marked the beginning of a new era at Edgewood College.
Dr. Scott Flanagan was inaugurated as the college’s seventh president in a ceremony at the Todd Wehr Edgedome on the campus.
The ceremony marked the close of a weeklong celebration of the new president who took over leadership of the college on August 1.
Flanagan has served Edgewood College since 1998 as dean of admissions and financial aid, vice president for planning and enrollment, interim chief financial officer, and most recently as executive vice president. In addition, he has regularly taught a doctoral course in higher education finance.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dean Pribbenow welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Highlighting core values
Students, staff, faculty, and other dignitaries then processed in with banners highlighting the five Dominican core values: truth, justice, compassion, partnership, and community.
Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa Sr. Mary Ellen Gevelinger gave an invocation.
Board of Trustees Chair Gary Schaefer spoke next and said, “The inauguration of a college president is a unique occasion. It offers us the opportunity to reflect on the rich intellectual tradition of which we are the heirs.”
Several speakers then took their turns presenting calls of service to Flanagan.
These included Jonathan Overby, Edgewood College alumnus and Wisconsin Public Radio broadcaster, who reflected on the value of compassion.
“We call on you [Flanagan] as our new president to lead with compassion so that Edgewood may always be the place where heart speaks to heart,” Overby said.
Presidential medallion
Flanagan was later presented with the Edgewood College presidential medallion — the “primary symbol” of the office — by Schaefer and outgoing Edgewood College President Dr. Dan Carey.
Schaefer said Flanagan would wear the medallion at all convocations, commencements, and important ceremonial occasions. “Its weight will be a reminder of the heavy responsibilities that must be willingly performed by all who enjoy positions of leadership and power.”
The investiture of the medallion was met with loud and energetic applause by all in attendance.
Inaugural address
Now officially president, Flanagan gave his inaugural address.
“I’m so honored to be standing here before you today,” Flanagan said. “It’s with a great sense of gratitude and service that I offer today’s remarks.
“Today and this week is a chance to tell the story of a special place, to celebrate our past, and to dream about our future.”
Flanagan acknowledged the work of all his predecessors, four of whom were at the ceremony, and praised their accomplishments meeting the challenges of changing times, knowing he’ll be facing similar trials during his time as president.
He emphasized that he is not the face of the college, nor is it the faculty and staff or even the students and alumni. “The face of Edgewood College is represented in the lives touched by those who’ve benefitted from an Edgewood College education.”
Following Flanagan’s address, faculty member Fr. Scott Steinkerchner led a blessing.
Also participating in the ceremony were the college’s Driftless Brass Quintet and the Edgewood College Chamber singers under the direction of Albert Pinsonneault.
Flanagan’s family — his wife Krista and their two children, Erin and Sean — were all in attendance at the ceremony.