Members of the St. Ambrose community packed the Galvin Fine Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 1 to see the installation of Dr. Amy Novak as the 14th President of St. Ambrose University. The ceremony took approximately 90 minutes, which saw a host of speakers and various addresses and introductions which culminated in a reception on the McLaughlin Commons outside the Rogalski Center.

An introduction began by the vice president of student affairs, Paul Koch. An invocation followed, spoken virtually by Thomas Zinkula, the bishop from the Diocese of Davenport, who was not in attendance. Chair of the faculty assembly Jason Senjem greeted the president with remarks welcoming her to the university. President of the staff assembly Chase Neukam followed suit.

After remarks from Thomas Mason IV, president of the Alumni Association, Novak’s husband Ken spoke loving words to his wife, which struck a chord with many in the audience. Commissioned work composed by William Campbell followed, which ended in a standing ovation.

After two addresses from the board of trustees, Novak was officially installed as president, being bestowed the presidential medallion from the former president, Sr. Joan Lescinski. Songs from the university choir and chorale followed, which also began the ceremony as faculty and international students entered the Allaert Auditorium.

The benediction was spoken by Campus Ministry director Tammy Norcross-Reitzler before the recessional in which the university choir sang South African spirituals as the faculty and presidential party exited. Afterward, there was a reception outside the Rogalski Center with the band Ten of Soul performing. Hors d’oeuvres were provided by Sodexo Food Service.

You can find out more information on the inauguration by listening to the inauguration special from KALA Radio below.