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Hanson spoke to the group for a few minutes and then asked for questions in a format repeated in the later receptions.

Music professor George Chu asked Hanson if she could carry a tune, to which she promptly responded by breaking into the first line of "Dixieland," drawing laughter and applause.

Hanson fielded other questions on a variety of topics. She also described at this reception her future vision for Hamline, which she said focused on a five-year block, similar to her College of Santa Fe initiatives.

"[Hamline] may be more on the map in five years," she said.

Dwight Watson, education department chair, called Hanson "practical" and said he was "excited about
the possibilities."

Law professor David Cobin said he was impressed with Hanson, calling her "a good communicator" and a "gracious person."

The second reception at 10 a.m. was held for university staff members.

"You're not going to need another president for a long time," Hanson said in a brief prepared introduction to the full room, a mix of staff and faculty.

She told the audience their work was seamless, transparent, but essential to the university's functioning.

The staff was more prepared to listen and less prepared to question, and Hanson twice had to ask attendees to step forward with inquiries.

Wesley Center Director Phyllis Messenger asked Hanson about her perspective and experience in collaborating with neighboring communities.

"We need to ask neighbors to buy into the vision of Hamline," Nelson replied. "The question is what do [they] have, what do we have, and how do we build ourselves as a vibrant learning community?"

Herbert Perkins, also from the Wesley Center, asked about Hanson's approach to diversifying the institution.

Hanson responded carefully: "I first need to learn what's here, what's in place," she said.

"I model it. I live it, instead of talking about it," she added.

"I feel like this is my dream job," she said in a concluding statement, which was followed by a warm round of applause.

During the student reception from 2-3 p.m., Hanson was receptive and light-spirited. She joked with the audience, which included several HUSC representatives and was comprised mainly of CLA students.

"She's very personable," said senior Colin Smith. "It doesn't feel like she's a politician."

Hanson began with a brief introduction, again mentioning that Hamline's presidential position was her dream job, and adding that the university "has more promise than any school I've been associated with."

Unlike staff at the morning session, students barraged Hanson with questions, ranging from technology to diversity.

Smith asked Hanson how Hamline could acquire more faculty and staff of color.

Hanson responded by recognizing diversity as a core value of Hamline, and added that moving from lip service to action is a necessity.

"It comes down to enrollment management, in terms of attracting students, and then a very aggressive faculty development program," she said.

"I feel she maybe could make institutional change; however, only time will tell," Smith said later.

"I think she has quite a journey to understanding the issues [of diverse students]. But I think she'll be open to starting that journey," said senior Dionna Jones.

Issues of diversity were common in questions this afternoon; Phasoua Vang and junior Maisue Xiong made similar inquiries.

Junior Shanelle Evens asked Nelson about the current lack of a student voice in administrative decision-making.

Hanson said she wants to have future discussions around the notion of shared governance.

"The first thing we need to do is improve communication from my office and my senior staff with the various constituencies," she said, adding that the issue had been raised multiple times during the day and was important.

"Her answers were wishy-washy," transfer student Kate Ruter said of Hanson. "But some of that is because she doesn't know the campus yet. I do think she has a genuine concern for students."

Hanson will return to campus multiple times over the next months. Inaugural activities are planned for fall of 2005.