The presidential inauguration of Dr. Steven R. DiSalvo, tenth President of Saint Anselm College, was held on Friday, October 18. The inauguration took place on the quad in front of Alumni Hall, following a church service in Dr. DiSalvo’s honor. Faculty, staff, professors, students, alumni, family, and friends gathered here to partake in this momentous occasion at the college.

Professor Gary Bouchard, Ph.D. of the English Department served as the Grand Marshal for the installation ceremony, welcoming those that were able to attend the first ever presidential inauguration in the college’s nearly 125 year history. Before introducing the day’s speakers, Bouchard briefly commented on the smooth transition process from Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B. to Dr. Steven DiSalvo.

Among the many speakers at the ceremony included Governor Maggie Hassan, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Kelly Ayotte. All three women warmly welcomed Dr. DiSalvo and his family to New Hampshire and Saint Anselm College. Governor Hassan and Senator Shaheen also commented on the importance of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP) and the value learning opportunities its brings to its students.

“We consider Saint Anselm to be an integral asset and invaluable resource to the city of Manchester and the entire state of New Hampshire…We take great pride in New Hampshire Institute of Politics and political library at Saint Anselm College which helps maintain our first in the nation status and serves as the country’s classroom during Presidential elections,” comments Hassan.

Other key speakers from both within and outside of the college included Charles Pollard, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Bishop Libasci, the tenth bishop of Manchester; Kevin Fitzgerald, President of Saint Anselm College Alumni Association; Lyndsay Robinson, President of Student Government Association; Lisa Gowern, Chair of the Staff Council; Dr. Hugh Dubrulle, President of Faculty Senate; Thomas Horgan, President of New Hampshire College and University Council; and Brother Norman Hipps, O.S.B. President of Saint Vincent College.

Following all of the welcoming remarks and the official installation, Dr. DiSalvo ascended to the podium to deliver his Presidential Address. DiSalvo began by acknowledging all of the individuals present for this occasion, and expresses how blessed he is to be the tenth President of Saint Anselm College.

“I am proud to say that today I am an Anselmian,” said DiSalvo as the audience loudly cheers in excitement.

DiSalvo notes that the Inauguration marks only one of the many recent changes at the college within the past couple of years including the new governing structure, the election of a new abbot, the implementation of a new curriculum, and the selection of a new chair for the Board of Trustees. DiSalvo recognizes the Saint Anselm Crier for first releasing the news of his election to the Anselmian community.

With a background in Catholic education, DiSalvo acknowledges the importance and value of a Catholic education. In fact, his parents wanted such a strong education for their children that they worked many jobs to afford it.

“These are not just examples – they’re actual events. The hard work and sacrifices these couples made so that one day their child could go on to receive a college education, attain a Master’s Degree, receive a Doctorate, and stand before you as a college President. These are not just any moms and dads – these are my parents, just a week short of their 54th wedding anniversary,” commented DiSalvo.

Since arriving at the school in July, DiSalvo said that he has been able to become familiar both with the institution and the individuals that are part of it. DiSalvo understands the fear that accompanies new leadership, especially with the first lay President in the college’s history.

“Transitions, no matter how large or small, almost inevitably create some anxiety. So, with new leadership, comes the fear of the unknown. Yet, the transition that took place this past summer was a model for higher education.”

DiSalvo thanks Father Jonathan for his service to the college, and the students for their open arms and welcoming nature since his arrival.

The college’s mission, according to DiSalvo, revolves around the students and ensuring that this institution provides them with plenty of opportunities to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Whatever else we do, we must guide and support our students each and every day.”

DiSalvo goes on to discuss the uniqueness of Saint A’s, and how this should be shared with everyone across the country. Referencing The Sermon on the Mount, DiSalvo compares Saint A’s to that city on a hill for all to see.

“The Benedictine monks who travelled to New Hampshire 125 years ago set their monastery and college up upon a hill. There is no hiding the light of this small city of learning that is Saint Anselm College, and who would want to?”

While DiSalvo has plans to improve the colleges in many areas, he ensures us that he will not abandon the liberal arts foundation on which this school was developed.

“We will remain true to our liberal arts residential experience…We can be innovative and traditional. It is not a case of either/or. We can and will accomplish both.”

DiSalvo touches upon some of the important advancements he would like to make in the coming years. In terms of the athletic program, he believes that we need to compete with comparable colleges so not to be placed at an unfair advantage. After all, he reminds us that our athletes are, in fact, student-athletes.

Since much of the college experience comes from the social aspects, DiSalvo believes that the new residence hall will add to this. In the next portion of the development of the college, DiSalvo hopes to improve the student center at Cushing Hall.