By: Emily Miller, Contributing Writer
The inauguration of Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., as the 10 President of Saint Leo, marks the beginning of a new era for the university.
Several students, faculty, staff, Saint Leo alumni, Saint Leo’s Board of Trustees, and delegates from other universities filed into the Marion Bowman Activities Center on Oct. 11 to see and take part in the ceremony.
The inauguration featured multiple musicians and speakers who all graciously welcomed the new President.
The activities center bustled with excitement and conversation before the inauguration officially began, but was quickly quieted by bagpipe players, the Brass Menagerie, Saint Leo, and Chamber Singers.
Brother Apollo asked that the attendees observed a sacred silence before the inauguration and Eucharistic celebration began; attendees respectfully complied.
Abbot Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., then gave a sermon regarding Senese’s presidency. The Abbot invited change by explaining the importance of living in the present, learning from the past, and moving forward.
Additionally, the Abbot expressed hope that Senese would keep the teachings alive of the Catholic Church, and to hold the place of Christ. He closed with assuring Senese that his presence was appreciated at Saint Leo.
“You are in our prayers every day. You are not alone,” said Abbot Isaac.
He was followed by Mary Spoto, Ph.D., who introduced Senese, giving a brief history of his education and work, with emphasis on academic leadership positions and his current life.
Senese’s presidency was officiated through the Profession of Faith, taking the Oath of Fidelity, and receiving a blessing from Abbot Isaac and two members of the Board of Trustees.
Afterward, Mass, led by the Abbot, was further integrated into the ceremony with General Intercessions, the Liturgy, and Communion.
Senese proceeded Mass with his inaugural address. He expressed gratitude toward those who had spoken, his family, and the three previous presidents individually as well as the rest of the attendees.
He also explained Saint Leo’s traditional goals and his future goals for the university. Specifically, he emphasized that Saint Leo should continue to focus on the relationship between faculty and students.
His goals are to strengthen Saint Leo’s ethos, making the university a national model for Catholic education, increase its size in order to increase its quality, and increase focus on partnerships with connected institutions.
The new President was officially welcomed to the university with his new title by faculty, staff, and student representatives.
He was then inducted as an honorary member of the Alumni Association and given an antique gold pocket watch, made in 1889, the year Saint Leo was founded.
