Beginning Sunday, the Baker University community will be focusing on one newcomer who has already come.
University President Pat Long’s face has become a common sight around Baker’s campus. She’s been in classrooms, around offices and at sporting events, meeting students, staff, faculty and community members.
Though she’s been making her way around since mid-summer, this upcoming week is significant in the arrival of our new president.
Though most Baker students have met her or seen her around, Long will be officially introduced as the 28th president in the university’s 148 years. This is the official welcoming of the most important person in the present operation of this university and in years to come.
Inauguration may seem like another convocation event during which administrators talk, music is played and a “special guest” is presented.
However, this guest is particularly special. Unlike most convocation ceremonies that feature speakers whose stints on campus last a matter of days if not hours, Long will most likely be around a little longer.
It is the second time in the last two decades that Baker will inaugurate a new president. After a reign of 19 years by Dan Lambert as president, Long has been invited by the university to serve in that same capacity.
From the Baker University Board of Trustees to mere freshmen, the university has bestowed on Long a privilege, a duty and a certain respect by allowing her the top position in the institution.
This means we expect something from this new president. As members of the university community selected her, this means we have faith in her, as well.
To show this support for the university’s new leader, it is vital that all members of the university community partake in inauguration events, celebrating a new era in Baker history.
It may seem boring to sit through another long, wordy ceremony. It may not seem that a new president touches the lives of many students. However, this is still a milestone in Baker history. As we approach a celebration of a century and a half as an institution, we are starting anew.
Going to the inauguration ceremony and various activities scheduled throughout the week should be encouraged. Students and others should honor the university they’ve selected by taking part in the institution. You may also notice this is the first woman president this university has seen, so that’s a big step forward, as well.
Basically, go to inauguration. It’s a big deal.