Students invited to Sept. 26 inauguration

By Betsy Baertlein
News Editor

The inauguration of Brother William Mann, FSC, as the 13th president of Saint Mary’s University is set to occur on Friday, Sept. 26. Classes are cancelled for the day in the hope that students will attend this occasion for SMU.
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Dr. Jeffrey Highland, university provost and vice president of the college, cites three reasons for the inauguration being important to the SMU community. First, it is an opportunity for the university to publicize the good things that are happening within the institution. Secondly, it marks an important historical transition. Last, but not least, it gives us a chance to “formally welcome the new president in a way that befits his office,” stated Highland.

Brother William has chosen the theme “Lasallian Education—A World of Difference” for his inauguration. This theme celebrates the presence of Lasallian schools around the world. There are currently 930 Lasallian schools spread throughout 82 countries; together the schools serve 900,000 students. This year is the the 75th anniversary of SMU being under the stewardship of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. All of the Brothers on the Winona campus, along with many Lasallian Brothers from around the nation and world, will be present to welcome Brother William.

The inauguration convocation will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Saint Mary’s University Cardinal Gymnasium, with a reception to follow in Gostomski Fieldhouse. The investiture formally welcomes Brother William as president of the university. The ceremony will also include remarks by Brother William and music by the SMU choir and band. Highland said the overarching objective of the inauguration is to “capture the spirit of what Saint Mary’s is about.”

Highland highly encourages students to attend the inauguration events. “Saint Mary’s is all about the students,” said Highland. All students will be asked to help prepare for the day by moving their cars out of the main campus parking lots.