Nastacia Voisin |
The audience packing the Chiles Center rose to applaud Fr. Mark Poorman on Friday as he was bestowed the president’s chain of office during his inauguration.
Though Poorman took office as UP’s twentieth president on July 1, this week’s inauguration activities are an official celebration of his presidency.
In his inaugural address, Poorman pledged to devote himself to UP’s mission.
“I will work hard, every day,” he said. “I will listen intently. I will be ever aware of treasured work that each of you are doing to advance this wonderful university.”
Poorman saluted to work done before him by founding members of the University. He also recognized the communities that support UP: alumni, students, faculty, staff and the Congregation of The Holy Cross.
“This is what we are all about,” Poorman said, “now, and in the future: A great, intentional gathering of talent and potential and excitement and hope and community.”
But he also recognized that UP is facing changes and challenges, among them tuition costs, a growing student body and shifting learning values.
Like the University’s founders, Poorman promised to face these trials with “tenacious grit.”
Scholarships will remain crucial, he said, and he plans to invest in new learning technology. He promised to add more campus buildings and make the River Campus a reality.
Yet Poorman said he intends to champion the University’s Catholic mission while upholding UP’s powerful emphasis on creating a campus community.
“We have always believed in our students,” he said. “They are why we’re here.”
Fr. Poorman will celebrate with students in the Pilot House on Saturday, Sept. 27 after the men’s soccer game. There will be free food, music and other activities.
Nastacia Voisin is a reporter and copy editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at voisin15@up.edu or on Twitter @nastaciavoisin
