Forward Together

Andrea E. Chapdelaine is inaugurated as Connecticut College’s 12th President.

By Amy Martin

n a ceremony that featured traditional pomp and circumstance, some lighthearted humor and—to the delight of the audience—a flash mob performance of Seasons of Love by 45 student singers and musicians, Connecticut College officially ushered in a new era with the April 26 inauguration of Andrea E. Chapdelaine as its 12th president.

The day commenced with a procession of faculty; emeriti faculty; trustees; emeriti trustees; past presidents; Student Government Association, Staff Council and Alumni Association Board of Directors representatives; invited speakers; and 49 delegates representing prestigious learned institutions and societies—all resplendent in academic regalia—who were led by a lone bagpiper into a packed Athey Center for Performance and Research at Palmer Auditorium.

The ensuing Investiture Ceremony celebrated the selection of Chapdelaine, whose tenure officially began in July, as the new leader of a storied institution; highlighted the importance of Connecticut College’s mission; and emphasized the need for the entire community to work together to move the College forward at a pivotal time in its 114-year history.

Her visionary leadership will help guide Connecticut College into a new era of academic distinction.

— Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities

In her keynote address, Embracing the Hill: People, Purpose and Place, Chapdelaine said that for her, higher education is a calling.

“What began with a love of learning has become a vocation. I firmly believe that education is the most valuable asset to humanity and to our society. I have witnessed its transformative impact in myself as a first-gen student, in countless other students and in the world,” she said.

“Conn’s mission to put the liberal arts into action has never been more crucial for our students and our world. Indeed, we are here, together—at the right place, at the right time—to ensure our mission is sustained. And we do that by strengthening the three central elements that define Conn and the connections between them: people, purpose and place.”

Chapdelaine told the audience that she is a runner—“or more accurately now, a determined jogger”—who had become accustomed to the flat terrain of Maryland, where she was previously president of Hood College. But here in Connecticut, she said, hills abound.

“So, I had a choice. Avoid the hills with an easy, repetitive loop around Tempel Green, or embrace them—lean into the challenge. I chose the hill,” she said. “Some days, the climb feels steep. And some days, I want to stop. But in those moments, I repeat the following mantra: ‘Forward is a pace.’ And each week, I’ve gone a little farther, a little faster—building strength, stamina and confidence, while also deepening my appreciation for my new home. So I ask each of you to join me—let us climb together with courage and purpose.”

A torrential downpour couldn’t stop the Inaugural procession. Photos by Sean D. Elliot

Chapdelaine explained that she has come to see the “hill upon which Conn stands” as a symbol of the challenges facing higher education and the Conn community.

“[The hill is] a metaphor for the journey we are on together. It is a steep path with many boulders hindering our progress—demographic declines, financial pressures, economic and political uncertainty, and cultural polarization,” she said.

“But just as formidable here at Conn is our shared sense of purpose and our collective commitment to meet this moment with courage, clarity and action—to continue moving forward—together.”

In her remarks, Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities, said she was thrilled to learn Chapdelaine had been selected to lead “an institution that has long stood as a beacon of excellence in shaping leaders who make a difference” in the world.

“For more than three decades, Andrea has shaped the landscape of higher education in profound and lasting ways, in the classroom; through her scholarship; and as a dean, provost and president who has consistently demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to liberal education, inclusive excellence and to the public purposes of higher education,” she said.

Conn’s mission to put the liberal arts into action has never been more crucial for our students and our world. Indeed, we are here, together, to ensure our mission is sustained.

— President Andrea E. Chapdelaine

“Her visionary leadership will help guide Connecticut College into a new era of academic distinction; preeminent research, scholarly and creative work; and forward-thinking community and global engagement.”

Student Government Association President Bella Castellanos Palacios ’25 said students are grateful that Chapdelaine meets them where they are, supports their campus spaces and takes time to listen.

“Our campus is filled with students who are passionate, creative and eager to shape a better world. We know that leadership is about listening, collaborating and being present—and President Chapdelaine, you’ve already shown us that you are here not just to lead, but to build something with us,” Castellanos Palacios said. “We’re excited to continue making Connecticut College a place where every voice matters, every experience is valued, and every student can thrive.”

A flash mob performance of “Seasons of Love” featured 45 student singers and musicians.

The Inauguration also featured a reading of the Inaugural Poem, “The Promise of Growth,” by Julia Pelczarski ’28; a performance of Alma Mater by the Sea by Katherine Caviness ’25, Samantha Lamontagne ’25, Jilly Pearson ’25 and Megan Spindler ’25, accompanied by the Constitution Brass Quintet; and greetings from Connecticut State Senator Martha Marx; New London Mayor Michael E. Passero ’79 M’89; Chair of the Board of Trustees Seth W. Alvord ’93; Chair of the Faculty Steering and Conference Committee and Vandana Shiva Association Professor of Gender, Sexuality and Intersectionality Studies Ariella R. Rotramel; Chair of Staff Council and Associate Director of Annual Giving Lynne Crider; President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Isaac “Chip” Clothier ’79 P’10; and Chapdelaine’s son Daniel David Tetreault.

Clockwise from top: Julia Pelczarski ’28 recites her Inaugural poem, “The Promise of Growth;" faculty enjoy a light moment on the way into the ceremony; New London Mayor Michael E. Passero ’79 M’89 congratulates President Andrea Chapdelaine; Chapdelaine holds the College charter presented to her by Board of Trustees Chair Seth Alvord ’93 during the ceremony; Chapdelaine’s son Daniel Tetreault looks toward his mother as he delivers his remarks.

College Marshal and Henry B. Plant Professor of History Marc Forster; Dean of the College and Vice President for Retention and Success Erika J. Smith; and Dean of the College and Fuller-Maathai Professor of Gender, Sexuality and Intersectionality Studies Danielle Egan provided additional remarks, while the Rev. Stephanie Haskins gave a closing reflection. The event concluded with a recessional to Belgian March by Scotson Clark. A festive Inaugural Picnic lunch, featuring games, music and dessert trucks immediately followed on Tempel Green.

We know that leadership is about listening, collaborating and being present—and President Chapdelaine, you’ve already shown us that you are here not just to lead, but to build something with us.

— SGA President Bella Castellanos Palacios ’25

The Investiture Ceremony was the culmination of a series of Inauguration events, which included “Chap Swap,” in which Chapdelaine swapped roles with student Davi Schulman ’25; Earth Week and Arbor Day celebrations; a “Chap Chat” between Castellanos Palacios and Chapdelaine; the Spring Choral and Orchestra Concert: Totally ’80s Talent Show; the POCA Fashion Show, Sonder: Everything Matters; the 18th annual Walk to End Homelessness; and an event that drew lots of ap-paws, the InDOGuration of bernedoodle Kodachrome “Koda” Chapdelaine Tetreault as First Dog of Connecticut College.

Two exhibitions are also ongoing; (Re)Defining A Liberal Arts Education: Conn’s Presidents Adapt to the Times and a student work showcase are both on display in Charles E. Shain Library through Aug. 29.

Read more, see more photos and video, and rewatch the Inauguration Ceremony here.

Clockwise from top left: Students assemble sustainable Lego flower centerpieces for a pre-Inauguration dinner; Students sign a giant cutout camel congratulating Chapdelaine; Davi Schulman ’25, left, and President Andrea Chapdelaine head to one of Schulman’s classes as part of “Chap Swap,” which saw the two switch roles; An ’80s-themed choral and orchestra concert paid tribute to Chapdelaine’s favorite music era; Chapdelaine and her husband, David Tetreault, receive commemorative Conn-themed sneakers at a pre-Inauguration dinner; In honor of the Inauguration, the College served as a presenting sponsor of the annual Walk to End Homelessness in New London.