A November 5 Inauguration ceremony celebrated the official installment of Alejandro (“Alex”) Hernandez as the 10th President of Champlain College. Centered on a theme of “readiness,” Hernandez outlined plans to “build a better future” for students, the college, and Vermont.
“Education creates opportunity, and I’ve dedicated my life to the idea that we can build institutions that get students ready, not by luck or privilege, but by design” said Hernandez, reflecting on feeling unprepared early in his life. In his Inauguration remarks, President Hernandez explained that Champlain’s education model is intentionally designed to get students “Ready for work. Ready for life. Ready to make a difference.”
The 90-minute ceremony commenced with a vibrant inaugural procession, followed by remarks honoring Champlain’s rich history and aspirations moving forward.
Laying out his vision for building a better future, Hernandez highlighted four key initiatives Champlain is undertaking in its next chapter; initiatives that will strengthen the college’s long-standing reputation as a leader in career-focused learning and create additional opportunities around its unique and highly-effective Upside-Down Curriculum model.
The night before the ceremony, Champlain College received an anonymous donor gift of $1 million to jump start these initiatives. We could not be more grateful for the support of our donor community that believes so deeply in our mission and in the future of Champlain.
Among the more than 180 attendees and distinguished guests at Saturday’s ceremony were Mayor Weinberger, Provost Dr. Monique Taylor, Board chair Judy O’Connell, Alumni Representative Megg Daudelin, local business leaders, state and local officials, fellow academics, and Champlain College delegates, trustees, alumni, faculty, and students.
Saturday’s Inauguration ceremony concluded a three-day celebration of this next chapter in Champlain College’s history. The festivities began on Thursday, November 3, with a Community Celebration bringing together students, employees, and community members. Live music and food from local eateries El Gato Food Truck and Global Village Foods filled Rozendaal Courtyard and the Champlain Room. Student musicians Abbey B.K. and The Band took the stage before KeruBo.
The celebration was followed by four Fireside Chats with national thought leaders on Friday and Saturday. These incredible speakers told their stories, offered insight on Champlain’s future, and conversed with students and employees to further explore how we can Build a Better Future.
Speakers included:
Visit the Inauguration website for more information. Recordings of the official Inauguration ceremony and Fireside Chats will be posted soon.
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