arOunD the quaD A presentation of greetings by attendees followed Johnson’s eloquent words. First up was the Most Rev. Walsh, who represented the Archdiocese of New York. He reflected on the College’s legacy and O’Donnell’s future role in preserving it. “Over the years, the facilities of this admirable seat of learning have greatly expanded,” he said. “This is a sign of the expanding influence and positive effect of Manhattan College on the church and on the general public. At this time in history, we all know that the job market requires dedicated and well-prepared workers in any field. This is your challenge, Dr. O’Donnell, to continue what is already well underway here, and we wish you God-speed in your efforts.” Expanding on the Most Rev. Walsh’s remarks, Raymond W. Kelly ’63, police commissioner of the City of New York, praised O’Donnell’s academic record as a promising sign of leadership for the College. “As a Manhattan graduate, I take great pride in addressing you today, and I am honored on behalf of Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York to extend greetings at this inauguration of our new president, Dr. Brennan O’Donnell,” Kelly said. “Dr. O’Donnell is an inspired choice to lead this school. A scholar, an administrator of the highest rank. He combines proven academic leadership with the wisdom gained from more than two decades in the classroom as a professor of English.” In addition, Stephen J. Sweeny ’71, Ph.D., president of the College of New Rochelle and secretary of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, spoke of O’Donnell’s place in Manhattan’s history of revered leaders. “Now you take your own special place in the long line of leaders of this extraordinary community,” Sweeny said. “Ahead of you on this line have been 18 sons of De La Salle, each with a rich variety of gifts, laboring in different times and circumstances, but all following as we all must, the star of faith. Now you take your place in that line — a gifted teacher, scholar, administrator and a new disciple of De La Salle bringing a freshness of the spirit of faith and zeal, which characterizes Lasallian education.” Sweeny’s remarks were followed by greetings from Laura L. Anglin, president, Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities; Marlene Gottlieb, Ph.D., president, Upsilon of New York Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Manhattan College, and chair, modern foreign languages; Joseph Creech, Ph.D., acting director, Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts; and Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D., president, La Salle University, and trustee, Manhattan College, who emphasized the importance of O’Donnell’s new role in Lasallian education. “Bringing greetings to you Brennan on behalf of Lasallians is a daunting task, but I am not left just to my own words,” Br.
(From top to bottom): Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C., Ph.D., president of La Salle university and trustee of Manhattan College, brings greetings on behalf of the Lasallian education community. the Manhattan College Singers perform Choose Something Like a Star for the musical interlude. elizabeth a. Johnson, C.S.J., Ph.D., distinguished professor of theology at Fordham university, delivers the invocation.
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