What to Expect at Inauguration

On Friday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m., the installation of Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D. as Endicott College’s seventh president will take place inside Melissa Hempstead Stadium. More than 60 delegates from colleges and universities will join Endicott faculty, trustees, and community members at this historical academic ceremony—one which this campus has not witnessed in over 30 years.

What is to be expected, not only during the Friday morning inauguration, but in the days leading up to it and the time that follows? Let’s break it down.

Inauguration Ceremony Sequence of Events

Processional
Singing of the national anthem by Jeana Alfano ’20
Introduction of the platform party
Invocation delivered by Rev. Dr. Gail Cantor
Greetings from alumni, faculty, student, business, & community leaders
Investiture of Dr. DiSalvo
Dr. DiSalvo gives his inaugural address
Interfaith Benediction delivered by Rev. Mark Massa, S.J.
Ceremony closes

Your Chance to Be a Part of History

Students signing a beam that was installed in
Phase I of the Wax Academic Center construction project.

From 12:30–3:30 p.m., five separate receptions, representing all schools and departments, will be held across campus. At each location, attendees will have the opportunity to leave their mark on inauguration through an interactive element. The reception locations will be held at:

• Curtis L. Gerrish School of Business & Ginger Judge Science Center (Arts & Sciences, Business). Attendees can contribute photos to a digital mosaic that reads #ThisIsEndicott.
• Diane M. Halle Library (Communication, Education, Hospitality Management, Nursing, International Education, Internship & Career Center, Academic Success). Attendees can place a pin on a world map, identifying where they have traveled from to attend the inauguration.
• Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts (Sport Science & Fitness Studies, Visual & Performing Arts). Attendees can sign notes to Dr. DiSalvo, offering well wishes and advice.
• Samuel C. Wax Academic Center (Van Loan School). Attendees can sign notes to Dr. DiSalvo, offering well wishes and advice.
• Callahan Center (General). Attendees can sign a beam that will be installed in Phase II of the Wax Academic Center building.

Five Things to Look for During the Ceremony

1. Dr. DiSalvo’s Family. Dr. DiSalvo will have his wife, Eileen, and his three adult sons, Thomas, Andrew, and Connor, in the crowd during the ceremony. His parents, Arline and Sal will also attend; Dr. DiSalvo credits them for providing him with the opportunity to receive a high-quality education by making many sacrifices, including working multiple jobs to help put him through a private, independent college.
2. Dignitaries, Delegates, & Alumni. Endicott is proud to welcome dignitaries, delegates, and alumni to Friday’s inauguration of Dr. DiSalvo. All delegates from other institutions will don the regalia of their respective schools during the ceremony.
3. Marshalls. The Grand Marshall for the inauguration ceremony will be Mary Jane Weiss, Ph.D., BCBA-D who is the director of the Van Loan School’s Graduate Program in Autism/ABA studies. The Faculty Marshall is Sharon Paradiso, Ph.D., an associate professor of English.
4. Symbolism at Inauguration. The College seal is intricately detailed with symbolism that reflects our ideals and history. The presidential regalia are a gown, hood, and tam which are symbolic of the College and president’s rank and authority as its chief executive. The presidential chain of office signifies not only Endicott’s history, but also its journey.
5. Investiture Process. The final stage of the presidential investiture, Endicott’s opportunity to welcome a new era and celebrate as a community, begins with Dr. DiSalvo wearing academic regalia from his degree granting institution, Fordham University. Dr. DiSalvo will trade his academic regalia for regalia worn by the president of Endicott which includes a gown, hood, and tam. Chair of the Board of Trustees, Cynthia C. Merkle ’77, will place the chain of office around Dr. DiSalvo’s neck. Finally, Interim Provost Kathleen H. Barnes, Ph.D. ’72 will place the blue velvet doctoral hood, indicating the achievement of a Ph.D., complemented by emerald green satin, representing the Endicott colors.

The Lead Up

Research by Professor of Graphic Design
Danielle Currierand Mackenzie Cunha '19 B.F.A.
entitled, "Gender Inequality Explored through
Visual Design" will be on display at the symposium.

As a precursor to the inauguration events, community members are invited to attend the Faculty and Student Teaching and Learning Symposium on Thursday, September 26 from 4–6 p.m. in the Curtis L. Gerrish School of Business & Ginger Judge Science Center Lobby. Witness a showcase of collaborative learning projects—both undergraduate and graduate—across a variety of disciplines including business, environmental science, creative writing, entrepreneurship, psychology, experiential learning, international education, digital liberal arts, visual communications, and more.

There are other marquee events happening this week prior to inauguration like Meet the Firms, a recruiting event for accounting and finance students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, a celebration of 25 years of Express Yourself, an organization that provides a safe and supportive environment for at-risk youth and young adults with mental illness to explore their creative side, and the Community Resource Fair for Endicott College Boston to introduce them to employment, support, and city resources to make them feel comfortable.

Homecoming & Family Weekend

Homecoming & Family Weekend lasts from Thursday, September 26 through Sunday, September 29 and includes countless opportunities for alumni, families, and students to engage with the Endicott community. Sporting events and a hall of fame ceremony, receptions at Gully’s (Legacy Families) and La Chanterelle (international), yoga and paddleboarding on the beach, Endicott’s famous brunch, Fan Fest beer garden, the Class of 2019 gift dedication, a lobster bake, karaoke, and an interfaith chapel service highlight the flurry of activity on our Beverly campus.