Administration

Communications

William L. Fox Inaugurated as C-SC's 24th President
Saturday, March 27, 2004

Speech Presented by Sen. Susan M. Collins

Remarks by Inauguration Speakers

Quincy Herald-Whig Article (3-28-04)

Hannibal Courier-Post Article (3-26-04)

Hannibal Courier-Post Editorial (3-26-04)

William L. Fox was inaugurated as the 24th president of Culver-Stockton College in a special ceremony on Saturday, March 27, in Alexander Campbell Auditorium. The mood was festive as President Fox was welcomed into the college and community by Culver-Stockton College students, alumni, Board of Trustees,
faculty, staff and members of the Canton community, surrounding communities and president’s party (consisting of presidents, administrators and alumni from several colleges and universities).

Donald K. Gnuse ’56, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented Fox with the presidential medallion, which is worn by the Culver-Stockton College president at academic ceremonies. Commissioned in 1973, the medallion was designed by the late Grant Kenner, professor emeritus of art.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the presidential medallion symbolizes many workings of the college and the symbolic landmarks you are all aware of,” said Gnuse. “More importantly, the presidential medallion symbolizes the responsibility of leading Culver-Stockton College in the days to come.”

United States Senator Susan M. Collins (Maine), a longtime friend to Fox, provided the inaugural address. She shared memories about their undergraduate days at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., expounded on the importance of a liberal arts education in today’s society and spoke about Fox’s qualifications for the role of C-SC president.

“His dual careers in academia and ministry meshes perfectly with Culver-Stockton College’s mission and traditions,” said Collins. “Those like Bill Fox who have accepted the challenge of providing a balanced education have a challenge ahead of them.”

In his speech, Fox drew from the theme, “A New Day, A New Vision,” and shared his expectations in the years to come.

“All that has gone before is a kind of interlude,” said Fox. “For this is a new day. We must begin in sequence with a sense of where we want to end up.”

He shared three expectations for the college: abundant leadership, adequate resources and an improved reputation.

“As we begin a new day, Culver-Stockton College has finished rehearsing. Now it is time to go on with confidence,” said Fox.

Providing music for the ceremony was the C-SC Wind Ensemble, conducted by Thomas C. Polett, associate professors of music, and the C-SC Concert Choir, directed by D. Larry McSpadden, associate professor of music. Soloists included Ashlee Ingram’04 and Jessica Schriner ’04.

The Reverend Joseph S. Corel ’94, priest for the Immaculate Conception Parish in Loose Creek, Mo., provided the invocation. Donald K. Gnuse ’56, chairman of the Board of Trustees, provided a welcome. David W. Wilson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, provided a greeting and introduced speakers. The Reverend Tammy D. Kanatzar ’89, interim chaplain, provided the benediction.

Ellen K. Boothe, president of Culver-Stockton’s Student Government Association, spoke on behalf of the students.

“He has improved student and administration relations immensely,” she said of Fox. “Thank you so much for considering the Culver-Stockton College students as becoming our 24th president.”

Other speakers at the ceremony included: Dennis L. Landon, president, Division of Higher Education for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), on behalf of the church; Terry Fretwell, mayor of Canton, on behalf of the community; Sanford J. Ungar, president of Goucher College, on behalf of Goucher College; Margaret M. Felder O.S.F., president of Quincy University, on behalf of the Mississippi Valley Colleges and Universities; Julie C. Threlkeld ’01, graduate student at Washington University, providing a challenge to Fox on behalf of C-SC alumni; Kelly Hentzen, office assistant to the registrar, on behalf of the C-SC staff; and Andrew D. Walsh, assistant professor of religion and philosophy, on behalf of the C-SC faculty.

Festivities following the ceremony included a reception in Charles Field House, the Senior Art Exhibition from 1:30-2:30 p.m., the Concert Choir’s Spring Choral Concert at 3 p.m., and a dance at the Griffin Centre that evening.