On Friday, Oct. 25, alumni, faculty, students, and community filled The Jack and Deb Miller Chapel to witness the Presidential Inauguration of Jon Parrish Peede.
The ceremony began at 3 p.m. with an organ prelude and processional by University Organist, Luke Tegtmeier, followed by a presentation of the colors by VFW Post 1067 Ashland Honor Guard, and The National Anthem played by The Ashland University Brass Ensemble.
Professor of Religion, Dr. Peter Slade, gave an invocation. A scripture reading of Romans 12:1-2 was then given by Provost Amiel Jarstfer.
James H. Hess, chair of The Ashland University Board of Trustees, welcomed President Peede to AU, “Since [Peede’s] arrival, there’s been a sense of excitement, enthusiasm, and hope in the air,” said Hess.
Many AU Alumni were also present at the event, including The President of Ashland Alumni Association, Joan Stanbrook Sustarsic, who gave a warm greeting on behalf of past graduates, “We, the alumni, understand the importance of leadership that not only preserves tradition, but also drives innovation and progress,” She said. “The future of Ashland is bright, and we are eager to see where President Peede will take us.”
Students of AU are also very fond of President Peede and the impact that he has had since he first began his duties in June of this year.
Student Senate President, Aidan Nayak, spoke about his personal experience while working with Peede, “Immediately, I gained appreciation that he’s someone who cares about the student body, wants to know where we’re from, and what we’re interested in,” said Nayak.
State Senator of the 22nd District, Mark James Romanchuk, and Faculty Senate President, Gregory McBrayer also spoke on their appreciation of the new university president. Afterwards, a prayer was given by Executive Dean of the Ashland Theological Seminary, Reverend Yvonne Glass.
After many kind words and warm welcomes, Peede was officially bestowed as the president of Ashland University by Vice Chair of AU Board of Trustees, Hess and Joyce Lamb.
Peede’s inaugural response truly showed what his time as President of Ashland University will include. He also mentioned how welcoming the atmosphere of the university has been for not only him, but his family as well.
“Indeed, there is something in the air on this campus that refuses to be anything other than joyful, it is hope, and it has been here since 1878,” said Peede.
Peede also spoke on the community that can be found here in Ashland, “Every morning when I drive down Samaritan Ave, I am reminded that every rushed jogger, and sleepy student, and overburdened faculty member is my brother, and my sister,” said Peede. He then explained, “We are not family as such, but we are in a profound relationship that we care for each other, and on our best days we push each other to reach for something greater than ourselves.”
The newly inaugurated president then concluded his speech with a powerful message, “When I hear people who despair for the direction of the modern university, I think how far they must be from our dedicated faculty and talented students, how far they are from the labor in our library and community in our classrooms, how far they are from our alumni who heal the body and tend to the soul, how far they are from the flowered edges of Ashland where knowledge blooms in every season.”