An event nearly 16 months in the making took place Friday as Longwood University inaugurated Brig. Gen. Patrick Finnegan as the university's 25th president. The celebration began at 2 p.m. in Jarman Hall Auditorium with the ringing of the inaugural bell. The bell was rung 25 times — 24 times by staff members who have served the university the longest. The 25th ring was conducted by the newest staff member of Longwood's family.
In 1896, the bell was cast and shipped to Farmville from the American Bell Foundry Company in Northville, Mich. Once adorned on top of Ruffner Hall, the bell now resides in the Janet D. Greenwood Library. Dr. James Jordan, professor of anthropology and chief faculty marshal, said of the bell, "It is a sound that links the proud heritage of Longwood to a very promising future."
Filing into Jarman shortly after 2 p.m. were the university color guard, chief faculty marshal, delegates from the represented institutions of higher learning and national organizations, alumni representatives, student representatives, administrative representatives, university faculty and the platform party.
The Reverend Isiah Hurt, trades technician for landscaping and grounds management, shared a few inspirational remarks for Finnegan in fulfilling the role of president at Longwood. Hurt spoke after the singing of the national anthem by Pamela McDermott, director of choral activities, and the call to order by Jordan.
Jordan placed the new university mace in its place to symbolize the start of the ceremony. This year's mace acknowledges Longwood's switch to a university in 2002. The elements symbolize the "heat of Longwood's campus," entailing both Ruffner Hall and the historic Rotunda. The new mace is in the shape of a cube with the seal of the Commonwealth and Longwood University as well as the coat of arms of Joan of Arc. Within the cube is a minie ball that struck Ruffner during the Civil War as well as a section of wood from the Ruffner fire in 2001.
Former Rector of the Longwood University Board of Visitors, John Adams said the moment could not have been possible without the diligent work of Longwood's past presidents. He acknowledged those in attendance, President William F. Dorrill (1988-1996) and Dr. Patricia Cormier (1996-2010), who were Longwood's 23rd and 24th leaders. Adams then introduced members of the Board of Visitors and the special guest, Virginia Secretary of Education Laura Fornash. He also recognized the visitors from various institutions from higher learning from across the Commonwealth and the nation.
"The inauguration of a university president is a curious thing," said Adams, joking that the ceremony always seems to take a while to come around. "Maybe it's the academic equivalent of living together before getting married or maybe it just takes that long to get the robes ironed."
Adams also acknowledged Finnegan's wife, First Lady Joan, as an "incomparable" person and someone who truly symbolizes Longwood's patron saint, Joan of Arc.
Fornash recognized the former Dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point as someone she and Gov. Bob McDonnell are "privileged" to work with. "President Finnegan is a champion for the students," she said. Fornash thanked Finnegan for his support and commitment to educating students in the Commonwealth.
Alumni Board President Stephen Myers, '83, congratulated Finnegan, on behalf of some 30,000 alumni members, to the university. He recognized both the president and Joan for their commitment to the Alumni Association. Faculty Senate Chair and Associate Professor of History Dr. Larissa Smith Fergeson said on behalf of the faculty, "We wholeheartedly support you in your endeavors to promote education at Longwood."
Staff Advisory Committee Chair and Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Library Keary Mariannino commended Finnegan for being "open and accessible" in his position.
Brandon Fry, Student Government Association president, said, the students are with Finnegan as he "embarks on this journey." He told the president he is already a part of the university's family.
The Camerata Singers, under the direction of McDermott, presented the musical interlude "Joan of Arc," composed by Dr. Gordon Ring in 2003.
Introducing Finnegan was his friend of 40 years, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I. They both attended West Point together. Reed said there is a need to reinvigorate a commitment to education, and Finnegan is someone capable of that task.
Reed told numerous stories about him and Finnegan from West Point and joked at how the two were different from their fellow cadets because of their "normal height." He said Finnegan understands one cannot succeed if the institution of education fails. The senator also spoke of his friend's commitment to service, noted best in Thursday's "Longwood Gives Back" day of service in which Finnegan took part in community service events along with Longwood students, faculty and staff members.
Reed finished his introduction with a poem by famed Irish poet Seamus Heaney. The two then shared a hug on stage before Finnegan was inaugurated. Connelly performed the inauguration by reading the oath, and Finnegan was officially installed as president at 3:45 p.m.
Finnegan said, "What a great day to be a Lancer. Glorious weather outside, new threads and some serious bling," referring to the chain of command placed around his neck by Jordan and Dr. Ken Perkins, interim vice president for academic affairs.
He acknowledged friends from the audience, some of whom were military personnel of which he said the friendship "bonds are still very strong." He also pointed out family members in attendance and even said hello to his mother, Eileen Finnegan, who promised she would be watching on the live web stream on Longwood's website.
Finnegan said he first learned of Longwood through his sister Rose Finnegan Shinsato,'76. He mentioned other family members, including his two daughters, Jenna Finnegan Bechen and Katie Finnegan Rucker, and his son Daniel Finnegan, who is editor of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "We're hoping for favorable coverage today," Finnegan quipped.
Of all his titles in life, ranging from brigadier general to lawyer, Finnegan said his most important are dad and granddaddy. Aside from that, most of Longwood knows the importance of Joan, who he met at West Point.
Finnegan said he was "delighted" when he found out Longwood was looking for a new president after Cormier announced her retirement. He said education and teaching has always been a passion of his. "I believe more than ever that the wisest investment we can make is in education," he said.
Finnegan focused a large part of his address on the three points of the inaugural theme, "Scholarship. Service. Standards." Of scholarship, he said, "While staying true to our identities, we are also looking ahead." He said the university will strive to find resources to increase international experience for faculty and students.
He also spoke on how well Longwood students understand service and hopes to better that service to benefit the Southside region. Of standards, he said character and values are at the forefront of defining students and alumni members of the Longwood family. "Honesty and transparency provide the glue that holds the university together," he added.
Finnegan ended by reaffirming the promise he made some 16 months ago to choose "the harder right over the easier wrong."
Finnegan told The Rotunda he would remember the day thanks to the great feeling of spirit from family and community — from his own family and his new Longwood family. "These are friends of not only today but also the future."
