The Inauguration of John Volin, President of Gustavus

A mélange of old and new, of hand hewn and well worn, of fresh and future forward surround President John Volin. In Christ Chapel on April 17, he received the Presidential Rites of Installation, exchanging his own academic regalia (from the University of Wisconsin–Madison) for the presidential robe and hood of Gustavus. He wears the Presidential Medallion around his neck, created in 1981 by the late Paul Granlund ’52, sculptor–in–residence at Gustavus for 25 years. Behind him, a quilted parament covers the altar, commissioned for this inauguration from Rev. Melinda Halom, parent of current Gustie student Dylan Halom ’27. (A special altar cloth lays atop it; see page 7.) Volin is holding the Gustavus ceremonial mace, made for the College’s Sesquicentennial in 2012, molded from a walking stick carved by Eric Norelius, Gustavus founder. This is your Gustavus President. Then, and now.

“More than 160 years ago, a small group of Swedish Lutheran immigrants believed something bold: that education could transform both lives and communities.”

John Volin, President, Gustavus Adolphus College

—So began President Volin’s inaugural address to the Gustavus community on April 17, immediately after being installed as the 18th President of Gustavus Adolphus College. He started his presidency last September, but the in-person inauguration was his official swearing as President.

It is not often we get to inaugurate a new president. The celebratory event, which lasted most of a week, was part party, part learning symposium, part kick-off for a strategic plan that will guide the College’s next phase of growth. A public talk with MPR’s Cathy Wurzer and Robert Waldinger, author of the New York Times bestselling book The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study on Happiness brought Gusties together for the first Great Gustie Read, considering themes of wellbeing that will define President Volin’s presidency. An Inauguration Symposium explored additional themes Gusties will recognize: community, faith, and intellectual inquiry.

Speaking of community, the Rite of Installation and Charges included a wide swath of Gusties—students, faculty, staff, Saint Peter community leaders, ELCA bishops, the Gustavus Board of Trustees, and many alumni, including Minnesota’s First Lady, Gwen Walz ’88. “You are surrounded by neighbors and friends,” she said, addressing the Volins. “[Governor Tim Walz] and I will support you … and the future vision Gustavus provides for its students as an essential part of higher education in Minnesota and this country.” Such sentiments of support were often repeated throughout the week.

Overall, inauguration week was a reminder that the College’s foundation is solid, and that this new president will lead with expansive vigor from the strength of that foundation. “If we remain true to the spirit that has guided Gustavus,” President Volin said, “Then the light from this hill will shine farther than ever before, guiding generations of Gusties yet to come.”

A NEW SONG, A NEW DAY A piece for the Christ Chapel
carillon was commissioned in honor of President Volin’s inauguration. Luna Moth Matrix (Prelude for Renewal) was written by Steve Heitzeg ’82 with funding generously provided by the Class of 1954 Carillon Bells Endowment Fund. The piece
was inspired by the Paul Granlund ’52 sculpture, Luna Moth
Matrix, on the east side of Christ Chapel. Other performances
for the week included a student dance performance during the Inauguration Symposium, Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, a student brass ensemble, and all three Gustavus student choirs.

A CEREMONIAL COMMUNITY An inauguration is an opportunity to reaffirm our own collective commitment to Gustavus. Bishop Dee Pederson of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA officiated this portion of the Inauguration and placed the insignia of presidency upon President Volin. Other representatives included religion professor Sarah Ruble (faculty), vice provost and dean of students Charlie Potts ’01 (staff), Student Senate co-presidents Laura Sunnarborg ’27 and Micah Lesch ’26 (students and alumni), and Monsignor Douglas Grams, Church of Saint Peter (community). Pictured here, l to r: assistant provost Dave Stamps, psychology professor Lucie Holmgreen, chaplains and deans Alicia Hilding ’08 and Ben Hilding ’09, and Rev. Laura Aase, assistant director of the Continuous Growth Pathway.

AN INAUGURATION SYMPOSIUM invited speakers from outside the Gustavus community to dialogue with Gustavus faculty. L to r: Tom Katsouleas, physicist, engineer, and former president of University of Connecticut; Yurie Hong, Gustavus professor of classics; Jon Ivan Gill, Gustavus professor of philosophy; Rev. Lamont Wells, executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities, President Volin, Amy Donahue, professor emeritus of public policy at the University of Connecticut and founding director of the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute at Louisiana State University, Laura Triplett, Gustavus professor of geology, Lisa Heldke, Gustavus professor of philosophy and former director of the Nobel Conference.