Observing in her inauguration remarks that the original thirteen male founders of Colgate and most of her predecessors would need to stretch their imaginations a bit to see a woman inaugurated in this office, Rebecca Chopp, Colgate’s 15th and newest president, continued, ‘But all of them would understand my words of appreciation for those I see here today, my abounding sense of excitement about this institution, my delight in your love for this place, and my feeling of absolute privilege in serving this institution.’ Conducted in the college’s chapel on Sunday, September 29, with a capacity crowd of over 900, the inauguration ceremony included presentations by members of the faculty, staff, and student body as well as by James Laney, former president of Emory University and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea.
Chopp’s remarks focused on education as an investment in democracy and in our children. ‘In a very real sense, we celebrate today that education is, at its heart, an investment, a willingness to take what is most sacred and dear and let it grow, develop, lead ‘We invest in our students so that they will be informed world citizens and ensure the future; we also invest in them so they can lead successful lives as they define success (in a reflective manner of course) … Liberal arts colleges carry these two obligations: to invest in students so they can live a life worth living and to invest in students so they can create a world worth living in.’
Laney, under whom Chopp served at Emory University, continued with Chopp’s theme, emphasizing that education must address ‘challenges that go beyond personal self interest and consider the larger purposes of life.’ He emphasized that ‘education must talk about what really matters and prepare the next generation for life and leadership in the world.’ Laney also noted that Colgate ‘is envied by many fine institutions’ in its choice of Chopp as president.
John Golden, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented Chopp with the university key while quoting James B. Colgate who said, at the inauguration of the college’s sixth president, ‘A key may be used to lock oneself in or open the door to a wider life. Colgate has always stood for the open door.’
A reception followed the ceremony in the quadrangle in front of the chapel. A breakfast attended by over 300 delegates and guests and at which three of Colgate’s previous presidents spoke preceded the event. A webcast of the event is available at www.colgate.edu/inauguration.
Chopp joined Colgate from Yale Divinity School, where she served as dean. Prior the Yale Divinity School, Chopp spent 15 years at Emory University where she held the positions of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. She established herself as a well-known scholar of religion and American culture. Chopp also served as director of graduate studies for the Institute of Women’s Studies, dean of faculty and academic affairs at the Candler School and Charles Howard Candler Professor of Theology.
While at Emory University, Chopp oversaw two colleges of liberal arts and seven professional schools and led strategic planning in areas such as teaching and research, international affairs, university/community relations and information technology. More than 20 vice presidents, deans and vice provosts reported to Chopp, who established three priorities for their work together: strengthening the schools and establishing cross-disciplinary programs, identifying new intellectual initiatives and identifying and supporting colleagues with leadership potential.
Chopp received her B.A. from Kansas Wesleyan University, her M.Div. from St. Paul School of Theology and her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School. In recent years her research and publication has focused on changing structures and cultures of higher education, on the role of liberal arts in democratic society and on supporting faculty in teaching and research. Chopp has written numerous books and articles in the areas of women’s studies, Christian theology and the role of religion in American public life.
Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate University attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests and talents.
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