Students, staff, and esteemed guests alike stood in honor and applauded as Dr. Andrea Chapdelaine took the stage to officially become the 11th president of Hood College.
The ceremony started at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Hodson Outdoor Theater on campus. The autumn wind was cold against hands and faces, but hearts were still warm as the long-awaited ceremony began.
Chapdelaine officially began her work as president back in July, but now, with great celebration, pomp, and circumstance, it becomes official.
“I’m very passionate about small liberal arts colleges,” Chapdelaine said in an interview prior to the event. She expressed her interest in the challenges and opportunities Hood presents, as well as the Hood community. “I want us to continue to be a strong institution so I will be working on continuing to gather resources, with primary interest in improving the academic experience of the students.”
The inauguration boasted many esteemed visitors and guest speakers, including Dr. Lex O. McMillan III, president of Albright College; Dr. Jennie C. Hunter-Cevera, the secretary for the Maryland Higher Education Commission; Bud Otis, president of the Frederick County Council; Col. Robert A. O’Brien IV, Commander for the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Detrick; MaryAnn Baenninger, President of Drew University and board member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Tina Bjarekull, president of the Maryland Independent College and University Association; along with Hood alumnae and faculty alike.
The week leading up to the ceremony, Hood hosted many events to build excitement for the coming inauguration. Students could watch inauguration improvisation, take part in a scavenger hunt, or help their community through civic engagement awareness week, among others gatherings, assemblies, and lectures.
Chapdelaine herself came up with the idea for civic engagement awareness week, explaining that it serves as a celebration of Hood and all it brings to the surrounding community. “I had certain goals for the inauguration, one is that the students have fun and feel engaged and part of it – that was my primary goal,” Chapdelaine explained. “The second was that it showcase not just me but all of the things that we should be proud of in terms of what Hood is – how much Hood does for the community – the civic engagement week really came out of that.” Chapdelaine also expressed her hope that civic engagement awareness week become an annual event.
Immediately following the inauguration, students, staff, faculty and guests were welcome to enjoy light refreshments in front of the Coblentz dining hall and each others’ company. The air was one of celebration, as all looked forward to the future of Hood.
“I think the inauguration was a great celebration and I look forward to her [President Chapdelaine’s] time as president with a great deal of hope and promise,” said Dr. Katherine Orloff, assistant professor of journalism at Hood. “I think she is a kind heart with a genuine interest in improving our college, and my general feeling is that the faculty is pretty united in doing whatever we can to support her.”
Other Hood faculty shared a very similar opinion. “Overall I thought the inauguration was quite delightful, a lot of fun,” said Dr. Donna Bertazonni, professor of journalism and director of the Communication Arts program at Hood. “It’s been very enjoyable – I thought that the ceremony was quite nice – I really liked what President Chapdelaine said, but I also really liked what the president of Albright said. I thought that was very, very nice, bringing her and all of her accomplishments to light for the rest of us.”
“I think it’ll be a good future, I’m looking forward to it,” added Dr. Heather Mitchell-Buck, assistant professor of English.
A video of the inauguration was posted to the Hood College website shortly after the event. There is also a webpage posted for anyone wanting to bid good luck and best wishes to President Chapdelaine for the future.