Jones Inaugurated as President
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A view of the
inaugural ceremony from the Chapel. For more photos,
click here.
(photo Al Ferreira) |
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James F.
Jones, Jr. was inaugurated as the 21st president of Trinity College on
Sunday, October 16, 2004. More than 1,500 alumni, students, and guests
gathered on the main quad to celebrate the occasion, during which
Jones accepted a warm welcome from dignitaries, distinguished alumni,
and educators and shared his views on the past, present, and future
state of higher learning and the importance of liberal arts education.
The inauguration was preceded by a colorful academic procession,
including Trinity faculty and more than 85 delegates from other
colleges and universities, and a welcoming address by former Trinity
Trustee William C. Richardson ’62, also president emeritus of Johns
Hopkins University and president and CEO of the Kellogg Foundation.
Following greetings from parent, student, faculty, staff, and alumni
representatives, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez ’96 welcomed Jones and his
wife, Jan, to Hartford.
As the new president, Jones received the four traditional symbols of
the Trinity presidency, the Mace, the Book, the Key, and the
Presidential Collar. The Owen Morgan Mace stands for the president’s
new executive power; it is made of ebony, signifying endurance;
bronze, meaning power; and gold, symbolizing dignity and glory. The
Book has been placed in the hands of every Trinity graduate at
Commencement since 1827, and signifies the delegation of
responsibility to the president for maintaining the educational
activities for which Trinity was founded. The Key, which symbolizes
the turning over of the physical properties of the College to the
president, is made of bronze and is one of the keys that turned the
original lock in the door of Williams Memorial. The Presidential
Collar, which is worn on ceremonial occasions, is the visible symbol
of the president’s high office and authority.
Jones came to Trinity from Kalamazoo College, where he served as
president and professor in the humanities. At Kalamazoo, Jones
successfully led the movement to reposition the College to play a
pivotal role in the local community while winning extensive external
support from prominent national foundations. He also implemented the
development of a strategic plan for Kalamazoo, focusing primarily on
strengthening the faculty, improving information technology on campus,
and renovating the residence and dining halls.
“Trinity College has been a center for intellectual engagement for 181
years,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Paul E. Raether ’68. “With
President Jones’ commitment to liberal arts education and his proven
ability to lead a comprehensive campaign for the College’s future, our
faculty, students, and staff are positioned to work alongside him to
focus our resources and energies on the next vital stage of the
College’s growth.”
For more information and photos from the inauguration ceremony, please
go to:
www.trincoll.edu/AboutTrinity/leadership/jones/inauguration/gallery.htm.
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