Building on a Tradition of Excellence
Virginia Schaefer Horvath was formally installed as the 13th president of Fredonia on Friday, September 21 at 2 p.m. in King Concert Hall of Rockefeller Arts Center. The investiture ceremony was preceded by five days of concerts, lectures, exhibits, symposia and an international dinner, designed to draw attention to Fredonia's rich tradition of artistic and intellectual excellence and our increasing commitment to global issues and international exchange. The following day, over 400 students, faculty, staff and community members came together for the Inaugural Day of Service, fanning out to two dozen sites throughout the region to work with partner agencies on a variety of projects addressing important community and environmental needs.
The Investiture Ceremony was filled with pomp and circumstance as delegates from other 47 colleges and universities (including three from overseas) joined members of the Fredonia faculty, processing in academic regalia to the strains of ceremonial marches by the Fredonia Wind Ensemble. SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher officiated for the formal installation, and President Horvath delivered her inaugural address describing her hopes for the future of Fredonia.