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The first to speak was Brother Louis DeThomasis, Chancellor at St. Mary’s University and close friend of
Hanson. Along with numerous jokes, he later said of Hanson, “[She] will be called a great Hamline University President.”

After DeThomasis’ speech, Taya Mahoney, a recent alum of The College of Santa Fe, where Hanson was previously president, spoke about her experiences with Hanson while she was president at the school.
She described Hanson as a personal and intensely committed president during her years as head of the college. According to Mahoney, Hanson is a great example for other women to look up to, because of her bravery in accepting the position of president at Santa Fe that was previously filled by Catholic brothers. Mahoney said of Hanson, “She is someone that all young women should look up to and aspire to be.”

The last to speak was Hanson’s husband himself, J. Laird Hanson. He jokingly told the crowd that at
home, he lays out Hanson’s Hamline pajamas for her. He then expressed happiness at moving to Minnesota, modifying the famous quote by Garrison Keillor, saying that “all the women are strong, the men are good-looking, and, I may add, the Hamline students are well above average.” After other words, he warmly introduced the president.

As Hanson took the stage to speak to the crowd that had gathered to honor her, the group gave her a standing ovation. After the applause died down, Hanson showed the assembled crowd a series of slides illustrating what Hamline was, is, and will be. She said Hamline is entering into another season of big changes, and expressed much excitement in being a part of those changes.

After the addresses, the group was invited to stay for dancing and conversation.

The overall tone of the evening was of appreciation of learning, anticipation of future changes and overall optimism, with Hanson herself concluding by saying, in no small words, “Together we will make the world a better place.”