DUDLEY, Mass. -- It was a sunny, crisp fall day on the Hill as faculty, staff, students and alumni converged with distinguished leaders of church, state and academia to embrace the 7th president of Nichols College, Dr. Susan West Engelkemeyer, with a formal ceremony and warm sociability on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.

Grand Marshall Libba G. Moore, associate dean for business administration, led the inauguration procession from the Athletic Center, pass Budleigh Residence Hall to Daniels Auditorium on Center Road where Dr. Engelkemeyer's family and friends were waiting. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Edward G. Warren gave a welcome and in introductory remarks, gave a historical reflection on Nichols presidents of the past.

Soloist Gina Beck, accompanied on piano by Leonardo Ciampa, led the audience in singing “America the Beautiful.” Later in the program, in a musical interlude, she sang “Where the Music Comes From” by Lee Hoiby. A musical prelude and recessional was performed by Quintessential Brass.

The invocation and benediction was given by Joseph Shea, Nichols campus minister. The dais party also included: Senator Richard T. Moore, Reverend John R. White, William F. Glavin  (former president of Babson College, Diane Lynch (president, Stephens College), James W. Coghlin Sr., William F. O'Connell Jr.,  Student Government President Edward J. Baia, Nichols Faculty Senate Chairman Dr. Timothy J. Liptrap, and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee John H. Davis.

John J. McClutchy Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees, presided over the Ceremony of Investiture.


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