Oracle Online

“Such occasions as this are landmarks,” Davenport said.

Various community leaders offered greetings to the new president.

HUSC president Shanelle Evens welcomed Hanson “to the family,” she said.

Pa Nah Vang, a sixth grader from Hancock-Hamline University Collaborative Magnet School also greeted Hanson.

“At Hancock, we believe college begins in kindergarten. Hamline makes that possible,” she said, standing on a step-stool to reach the microphone.

Senator Ellen Anderson (D), who represents Hamline in Distict 66, greeted Hanson on behalf of the State of Minnesota.

After Kenneth Woodrow, the chair of the Board of Trustees, invested Hanson as president, she recieved 5 symbols of Hamline, including the presidential robe, a garment specifically designed for Hanson and her new office. The robe has four chevrons on the sleeves, instead of the usual three that doctoral recipients have. The chevrons are inscribed with Religio, Literae and Libertas. The words are Latin for religion,
learning and freedom. The words also appear on the official Hamline seal, which Hanson received, and wore attached to her new robe.

“I proudly accept the call to duty to which you have charged me,” Hanson said, as she began her lengthy inaugural address.

Throughout her speech, Hanson focused on the “power of education” and the “spirit of Hamline.” Her words never faltered or wavered as her message echoed throughout Hutton Arena.

We are “distinguished by our collective spirit,” Hanson said.

Hanson defined this spirit as the “connective tissue that binds us together as a community,” which, when combined with education, will “make our world a better place.”

She told stories of the of various alumni who credited their professors for teaching them to think critically and in different and diverse contexts. She said a diverse education is valuable because of how it teaches students be culturally competent.

“As Hamline educators, the same spirit [that] has prepared able leaders....will prepare students to meet the greatest challenges of our day,” Hanson said.

After the ceremony, a reception was held on Old Main mall, in a 520 capacity heated tent with carpeted floors and tables spread throughout the space.

At the reception, Hanson chatted with whoever came up to her, and recieved congratulations from those around her.

The event was organized by Christine Berg and Jen Thorson who were helped by various committees, including the Ceremony and Symbols of Office Committee.