Behind the Inauguration: Ursula Pfahl’s Guiding Hand
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lanners of Ave Maria University’s first inauguration wanted to create a memorable series of events to mark the transition of the University from its founding phase to its growth phase. Ave Maria University President Jim Towey knew just who to call to head the inaugural planning committee—Dr. Ursula Pfahl (right). Pfahl, who spent nearly 30 years in higher education, first as a professor, and later in administrative roles, had been involved with Ave Maria University since the beginning, working with the administration on various projects. When Towey was named president, Pfahl offered her assistance to him as well. His task for her was to organize Ave Maria’s first presidential inauguration, something she has done twice at other universities.
The plan was so complete that, when Pfahl’s husband fell ill a week before the inauguration and she learned she would be unable to attend, she confidently handed the events over to others. “The people at Ave Maria executed the plan,” she says. “There was such emphasis on joint collaboration for the outcome.” Although the inauguration was “by the book,” Pfahl said events were not restricted by decades, or even centuries of tradition like other universities. “Ave Maria is young and flexible, so we were able to say, ‘let’s structure a series of events that focuses on people and involves them.’” Personal touches included Towey’s choice of the music for Mass as well as minimal use of Latin to make it accessible to members of the audience who were not Catholic. “Jim’s concern and consideration of the comfort, interest and conveniences of those in attendance is a telling aspect of the man,” Pfahl says. “While some newly inaugurated presidents sequester themselves with prominent guests, Jim met with as many people as he could.” The celebration started with a cocktail party for 150 donors and dignitaries the night before the inauguration at a private club in Naples, sponsored by Michael Timmis, Chairman of Ave Maria’s Board of Trustees. The Inaugural Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary preceded the inauguration, and included Presentation of the Gifts by Towey’s children, Joseph, Maximilian, John and Marie Therese, and a reading by his wife, Mary. After the traditional inauguration ceremony, a luncheon was held for visiting guests on campus, including a surprise presentation of a cake to President’s Council members Don and Mosey Gunther for their 50th wedding anniversary. Although Pfahl was unable to attend the events she had planned, she was touched by the experience. On his way to the gathering the night before, Michael Timmis places the Ave Maria seal on H. James Towey. Towey stopped at Pfahl’s house to personally deliver flowers and the first copy of Pfahl worked with a committee and the University Council. his inauguration address, along with handwritten expressions Planning for the October events began in May, and culminated of his appreciation. “I was so touched that he would take time in a comprehensive plan that charted out what, when, where out to honor a personal relationship,” she said. “That’s just who and how by the minute for the inaugural events. he is.”
avemaria.edu | spring 2012 |
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