It’s been seven months since Dr. Michael Lewis was named Saint Anselm’s 12th president, and after weeks of dedicated planning, coordination, and preparation, inauguration week had arrived.
Staff Breakfast
The week started strong as Saint Anselm staff gathered in the Pub for breakfast with Dr. Lewis. Conversations filled the space as staff spent time getting to know the new president.
“The staff breakfast was a great example of how bringing people together from across the campus makes Saint Anselm College such a special place to work,” said Karen Connor, the College’s human resources training coordinator. “It was exciting that this was the kickoff event for the celebratory week full of activities leading up to Dr. Lewis’s inauguration.”
View the Staff breakfast photo gallery →
School Supply Drive
Throughout inauguration week, Saint Anselm’s Meelia Center for Community Engagement hosted a school supply drive in honor of Dr. Lewis’s inauguration. This campus-wide community outreach initiative provided K-12 students in the Manchester School District with critical supplies for the academic year.
Faculty Scholarship Showcase
Twenty-six faculty members from all disciplines presented their research, projects, and other academic scholarship to Dr. Lewis and the campus community at a poster session in the Roger and Francine Jean Student Center. Topics ranged from how snails can investigate pollution and climate change to what poetry teaches people about ethics.
“I think [this event was] a wonderful opportunity for faculty to introduce themselves and their scholarship to our new president this fall,” said Professor Kimberly Kersey Asbury, Ph.D., who shared a sculpture from her ongoing series, Domestic Landscapes. “As faculty, we are always interested in getting a glimpse into the work we are each busy doing.”
Professor Ian Durham, Ph.D. was amongst participating faculty and displayed his research on quantum mechanics, consciousness, and the artificial intelligence revolution.
“There’s a lot of fantastic scholarship happening on the Hilltop,” said the physics professor. “It was nice to not only present our work to the president, but it was also nice to see what my fellow faculty have been up to . . . [and] to see some of these projects in greater detail.”
Hawk Health Day
This year’s Hawk Health Day coincided with the inauguration festivities. The annual event hosts dozens of student groups, clubs, and organizations, and features creative activities and resources to destigmatize mental health and promote wellbeing amongst the campus community.
"As we celebrate Dr. Lewis’s inauguration, Hawk Health Day offered an opportunity to share with him our campus community’s commitment to making mental health a priority at Saint Anselm College,” said Elizabeth Kelly, director of health services. “These events [help] students feel supported, know they belong, and feel empowered to seek help.”
View the Hawk Health Day photo gallery →
Inauguration CABingo
Students partook in a special edition of the beloved Anselmian tradition, CABingo, called by none other than Dr. Lewis himself! They enjoyed free Auntie Anne’s pretzels and popcorn and competed for exciting prizes including LEGO sets, walkie-talkies, an espresso machine, JBL speaker, and a PS5. The night was even more meaningful for Dr. Lewis because his daughter, Grace, joined him.
CABingo was a collaborative effort organized by Campus Activities Board, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL), the Office of Residential Life and Education, and the inauguration committee. Fr. Aloysius Sarasin, O.S.B. ’17 is a member of the inauguration committee and shared that everyone was delighted to welcome Dr. Lewis as bingo caller.
“We believed there would be no better way to introduce Dr. Lewis to this popular event than by asking him to be a guest caller,” he said. “It was a packed house and a great time was had by all!”
View the CABINGO photo gallery →
Check out the events on Instagram →
Mass of the Holy Spirit
Ahead of every Anselmian inauguration, the incoming president and their family are recognized by the College’s monastic community through the Mass of the Holy Spirit. Surrounded by his wife and children, Dr. Lewis received a special blessing intended to guide him through his next institutional endeavor. The Very Reverend Augustine Kelly, O.S.B. called upon the holy spirit to help the new president lead the College forward in good faith and reason.
“At this important moment in the life of our college, we begin where generations of Anselmians have always begun — in prayer,” said Kelly. “We pray today for Dr. Lewis, asking that the lord grant him wisdom, courage, and generosity as he begins his service as president.”
Kelly shared an additional prayer for the Lewis family and for those who share responsibility for the College’s mission and future.
Abott Isaac Murphy, O.S.B. concluded the Mass with a touching reflection on the love of learning and the desire for faith. Dr. Lewis has long stated that he considers his work in advancing Catholic education a calling.
“Be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, be responsible, and be in love,” advised the Abbot.
Check out the event on Instagram →
The Saint Anselm community is grateful for Dr. Lewis’s presence, wisdom, and guidance during this next chapter for the College. His poised and intentional approach to higher education will undoubtably result in new accomplishments and progress while remaining true to those treasured Benedictine values.