The Ceremony - University of La Verne

6 VOICE Summer/Fall 2011
COVER STORY
Devorah Lieberman models her new colors to the cheering approval of an estimated 1,500 in attendance at the Inauguration.
Tom Zasadzinski image
COVER STORY
Upward Momentum
The inauguration of Devorah Lieberman as La Verne’s 18th president infuses the
campus with a high level of energy as she sets a course for future achievement.
By John Ross
It’s not often that an entire university gets caught
up in a moment, swept away by emotion, but then
the University of La Verne hadn’t had the chance to
celebrate like this in 26 years.
That was when Steve Morgan took office, the beginning of
the longest presidential tenure in the school’s 120-year history.
So, on October 21, when Devorah Lieberman took the
stage, took the oath, took the plunge as the university’s
18 th president and its first female president, the electricity
was palpable. Every one of those 1,500 or so gathered
for the inauguration ceremony in the university’s Sports
Science & Athletics Pavilion — from national scholars
and Board of Trustees members to rambunctious freshmen
— had their hands clapping, their toes tapping and
their sensual sails set to catch every last wave of energy.
The Friday ceremony kicked off a festive Homecoming
Weekend for La Verne, surely one of the most memorable
in the school’s history. Whether attending the
morning symposia or the afternoon ceremony, viewing
the events live on streaming video, or connecting with
fellow alumni on Saturday and Sunday, those in town for
the weekend were treated to an electricity that pulsated
through the campus community.
Of course, Ann and Steve Morgan, presidential partners
for a quarter of a century of growth and dynamic
leadership, were on hand to share in the celebration. On
stage, Morgan gave Lieberman a congratulatory hug, and
wished her well. It was through Morgan’s leadership that
the university pulled out of dire financial straits of the
late 1980s. That leadership and stewardship, and that of
the Board of Trustees, now provides the university an opportunity
to further enhance its service to students and
community seldom seen in higher education.
The university now finds itself with a dynamic new leader,
and is poised like no other to meet the needs of the people
who live and work in the region, the state, and beyond.
Nationally-renowned academicians and La Verne
deans and faculty spoke in morning symposia sessions
on campus. The symposia were capped by an address
by luncheon keynote speaker Lee Shulman, who, when
president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advance-
Continued on Page 8
With Natural Sciences Chair Robert Neher leading the way out with the
ceremonial mace, President Devorah Lieberman gestures to some of the
academic representatives in attendance at the inauguration ceremony.
Tom Zasadzinski image
Summer/Fall 2011 VOICE 7