by Logan Gruber
operations@thenewsleaders.com
Sunday afternoon, Escher Auditorium was packed to the brim by students, faculty and staff of the College of St. Benedict, along with visitors and well-wishers from our local community, across the state and nation. The crowds weren’t there for a famous musician or dramatic performance. They were there to share a moment with Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., as she was inaugurated as the 15th president of the College of St. Benedict. Dr. Hinton is the sixth lay person to hold the position of president of the college, and the first African American to do so.
“We’re here to celebrate a woman who will lead us into a bright future,” proclaimed Lynn Newman, chair of the Board of Trustees for CSB.
Many people of stature were on stage Sunday afternoon to offer Hinton their congratulations and best wishes. Many emphasized how, this being the first year of the college’s second century in existence, they expect great things from Hinton as she continues her work at the college. Terry Check, Ph.D., and Jean Lavigne, Ph.D., chair and vice chair of the faculty senate, respectively, commented on how happy the faculty are with Hinton’s openness in both approaching the students, and being available to faculty and staff at her office.
An audience member, Sister Kathryn Casper, OSB, told the Newsleader of a moment when a nun fell in Mass earlier that morning. Casper said Hinton took it upon herself to help the nun up, and stay with her during the Mass.
The image of Hinton as an open, genuine, caring person was felt in the stories told of her by others, and by her actions. As she received the presidential medal during the inauguration ceremony, the crowd rose and offered her a standing ovation. All the while, Hinton smiled, seemingly both ecstatic and humbled at that moment.
The theme of Hinton’s inauguration, “Become Illuminated,” echoed throughout Hinton’s inaugural address. In her speech she emphasized: the continued systematic infusion of the Catholic and Benedictine heritage into the life of the college; the reshaping of the liberal arts conversation as educators of women; and, renewed articulation of the transformational and communal experience of Bennies on campus. Hinton chose to shine a spotlight on these three issues. She also spoke of increasing a sense of awareness among students, staff and faculty on campus, emphasizing awareness of self, and awareness of place at the College of St. Benedict.
Hinton also spoke of ”single opportunities’ that allow one to flourish. She said with a laugh, “The guidance counselor who said college was not an option for me would likely be surprised.” The president referred to ‘single opportunities’ in her upbringing, her education and her career where paths were opened to her. She said without those opportunities, she wouldn’t be where she is today.
Hinton finished her inaugural address with an African proverb. “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk with others.” The president hopes the community will join her in the journey.
The inauguration of Hinton was recorded, and will be posted to the CSB/SJU website within a few days of this publication for your personal viewing.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
Hinton shares a hug at Mass the morning of her inauguration.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
From left to right, former CSB president Mary Ann Baenninger, SJU President Michael Hemesath and new CSB President Hinton.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
Fifteenth CSB President Mary Dana Hinton on the Escher Auditorium stage surrounded by delegates.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
A standing ovation for Hinton as she accepts the presidential medal.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
Hinton and her husband, Robert Williams, attended Mass the morning of her inauguration along with family and friends at the Sacred Heart Chapel.
photo contributed by the College of St. Benedict
SJU President Michael Hemesath placed a blessing on new CSB President Hinton during Mass Sunday morning.
photo by Logan Gruber
Hinton greets well-wishers after the inauguration ceremony outside the Benedicta Arts Center.
photo by Logan Gruber
Hinton is greeted by a crowd outside the Benedicta Arts Center after her inauguration ceremony Sunday, Sept. 21.
