Thursday, February 26, 2009
‘I love MSUM’
President Edna Szymanksi took office in July, but officially became MSUM’s first female president Friday at her inauguration.
An estimated 400 people, including faculty, former presidents Roland Dille and Roland Barden, and guests from other universities and the community, filled Hansen Theatre for the ceremony.
“This is one of the most touching and moving moments of my life,” Szymanski said as she took stage.
“I love MSUM. I accept this awesome responsibility,” she said.
Featured speaker Erma Vizenor, chair of the White Earth Tribal Council and MSUM alumna, thanked Szymanski for the work she’s already accomplished in her seven months on campus.
“I’m proud of our new president,” she said.
Vizenor will continue to work with Szymanski to help White Earth students find success at the university.
“I had the opportunity to obtain a second-to-none education at (MSUM) … I want the same opportunities for other Indian students,” she said.
Though the event was a time for celebration, talk turned to more serious concerns, like the projected
$9.2 million deficit the university faces next year. In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, Szymanski was quick to point out that the event was privately funded and did not come out of the university’s budget.
Minnesota Sen. Keith Langseth, D-District 9, praised Szymanski for her early action in instituting a hiring freeze when the first budget forecasts came out.
“It’s a hard thing to do,” Langseth said.
“We are in the worst economic crisis in 70 years, and you will need strong leadership,” he said.
Though Szymanski accepted that times will be tough during this deficit, she also offered words of encouragement.
“We will survive and thrive. … We will continue to provide a high quality education,” she said.
Szymanski took the oath of office, followed by a standing ovation and a high-five from Scorch.
The Alumni Foundation hosted an inaugural gala at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead. The 120 guests in attendance paid $100 each for the fundraiser. More than $5,700 was raised for a need-based scholarship. The foundation plans to hold this as an annual
fundraising event.
“We’re very happy with it. We had a great time,” Joan Justesen, vice president of university development and alumni relations, said.
Photos by Chris Huber / The Advocate
President Edna Szymanski, along with her cabinet, faculty and guests from state and local government celebrate her inauguration as the 10th president of MSUM.
Faculty and guests filled the Center for the Arts for the reception following the inauguration.
Scorch, from left, Szymanski and executive director of public relations Doug Hamilton, who served as Master of Ceremony, share high fives following the oath of office.