Inauguration Day First Impressions
Posted: Oct. 6, 2007
By Susan Flansburg
Bright sunshine, warm temperatures and a celebratory atmosphere suffused the SAU campus as Ambrosians inaugurated their 13th president, Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD. Sister Joan—as she is known to all in the Ambrose family—received the presidential medallion during an afternoon installation ceremony that blended great pomp and circumstance with simple joy.
The day featured several events at venues around campus. Here are some first impressions of this historic day.
The Inauguration Liturgy
Guests began to gather at the recently renovated Christ the King Chapel by 9:15 a.m. Chalk white walls and flooring brighten the space, while warm oak pews surround the altar and the stunning crucifix mounted behind.
Taking their places first were representatives of the communities of Sisters in our area: Benedictine, Humility, Franciscan, Carmelite. The priests of the diocese filed in, bowing two by two at the altar. Sister Joan’s family filled several pews, their love and excitement palpable. “I am so impressed by the friendliness and warmth of everyone here,” said Lucy Lescinski, Sister Joan’s mother. Then she squeezed my hand, herself imparting a hospitality that would linger.
Rev. Charles Adam’s homily centered on the day’s scripture and Isaiah’s reference to “oaks of justice.” Read Rev. Adam’s homily.
Blessing of the President
As the soft intonation of the SAU Chamber Singers and Music Ministry filled the chapel with “Veni, Sancte Spiritus” (Come, Holy Spirit), Sister Joan came forward to receive a blessing from those who form her extended family. Members of the SAU staff and faculty, a representative of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and her cousin read the blessing as student representatives anointed her with oil.
As the others returned to their seats and the singing ended, Sister Joan stepped to the ambo. “In this holy place,” she said to those gathered, “on this holy ground, amid oaks of justice, know my heart, my mind and my spirit are filled with gratitude, and that your presence is with me now and forever.”
Observations of the Day
As guests spilled back out into the October sunshine, they shared the moments of the liturgy that had touched them.
“The blessing for Sister Joan was also for St. Ambrose. It helped us think about anchoring ourselves in the traditions of the university. It was a powerful experience.”—Dr. Beatrice Jacobson, professor of English
“I loved it all. The students’ singing, the upbeat music, Father Adam’s homily. The symbols he used will help people remember this day. It was very inclusive and lovely.” Lynn Levo, CSJ
“It was a true joy. It was a happy celebration that embraced both the seriousness and value of the moment. We will carry the memories of this day for years to come.”—Most Rev. William Franklin, bishop emeritus, Diocese of Davenport
“It moved the spirit.”—Mary Jo Loebig, OCD
“My heart was in my throat the whole time. It was a lovely mass.”—Dr. Owen Rogal, professor of English
“The blessing at the end really evoked a sense of the Spirit being called down.” —Hilary Mullany, OSF
“There was a nice feeling of continuity, that the future is connected to the past.”—Dr. Richard Geiger, professor emeritus, History
The Installation Ceremony
At last, the moment everyone had been preparing for approached. After lunch, faculty and staff members gathered in the lower level of Rogalski Center to don their regalia for the processional to Galvin Fine Arts Center, where Sister Joan’s installation would take place. Slowly, the space filled with swaying black robes, brilliant velvet hoods and flat-topped mortars. As Katie Strzepek, history faculty, quipped, “It looks like a scene from Harry Potter!”
Delegates from other universities, colleges and organizations joined the procession as it wended its way from the Rogalski Center west to Galvin, with the blue velvet robes of the SAU Board of Directors bringing up the rear. For those who needed assistance with the distance between the buildings, student volunteers clad in blue “Inauguration Staff” polo shirts provided shuttles via eight-person golf carts, so that no one would miss a second of the celebration.
Installation Highlights
Dr. William Campbell’s world premiere performance on the piano of “On the Horizon,” composed especially for Sister Joan to commemorate the day, brought tears to the eyes of more than one guest. “It was great,” said Eileen Eitrheim, Galvin marketing director. “It was perfectly titled, which gave me the image of a beautiful, glowing future.”
The day had its moments of levity, as well. Among those offering greetings to Sister Joan was Dr. John Hartung, president of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, who presented her with a chocolate candy dispenser in the shape of a bank because, he chuckled, “She likes chocolate and she likes to raise money!”
When it became Sister Joan’s turn to stand before the assemblage of nearly 1,000 people, she began by recognizing her mother, Lucy Lescinski, seated in the audience. “I am especially thankful and blessed to have her present,” Sister Joan said, smiling widely. “Without her, I literally would not be here today!” Mrs. Lescinski blew her daughter a kiss, and the new president turned to another important figure.
“I also owe a deep debt of gratitude to the person who occupied this office before me for the remarkable span of 20 years,” she said, recognizing Dr. Edward Rogalski, president emeritus. “I have inherited from Dr. Rogalski a university that is strong and healthy. …Ed, I will not let you down.” Read the inauguration speech.
Observations of the Day
“What a wonderful day. It’s exactly what Sister Joan hoped for. It has been festive and simple yet filled with the traditional pageantry. She is surrounded by the people she loves, both her old family and her new family.”—Sean Peters, CSJ
“My mom, Judy Otte, is an alum, and thought it would be interesting for me to watch the inauguration. Plus, I wanted to welcome the new president. I liked what she said.”—Kari Lyphout, first-year student
“I think it’s really cool that our new president is a Sister. Usually when you think of a nun, you think she’s just going to be doing holy work. But Sister Joan seems really down to earth. I also think it’s cool we started at St. Ambrose at the same time.” —Rachel Hodgson, first-year student
“I’m so proud of the effort everyone put forth for this day. The student volunteers especially moved me. They held doors and greeted guests. They sang and served at the liturgy. They spoke touchingly at the inauguration.” —Dr. Sandra Cassady, Inauguration Committee member
“One of the most exciting venues of the day was in the TV studio in Galvin. Students and alums worked together to create a wonderful video of the inauguration. Whenever we had a really good shot, we would all laugh and clap. It was great teamwork from a lot of people.” —Amy Jones, TV-11 Producer