For those who went here, no explanation is needed; for those who didn’t, no explanation is possible.
It did not take me long to understand what this quote and the spirit of this place mean. In the first few days of joining this community, I came to realize that the sentiment, attributed to Father James Forker, is not limited to alumni; it is fully inclusive of all who cherish, support and sustain this wholly distinctive university. This community embraced me and my family with overwhelming warmth, caring and love.
Immediately, I knew I was home, that my belief of being called to serve the Mount was true.
Distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, esteemed faculty, staff, students, alumni and honored guests, I am deeply humbled and honored to stand before you today as the 27th president of Mount St. Mary’s University. I am honored to share this stage with Mr. Rich Miller, chair of the board of trustees, and Ms. Gracelyn McDermott, board chair emerita. I am immensely grateful to Gracelyn and Rich for their guidance, support and friendship.
As I begin my tenure, I am acutely aware of the rich history and profound legacy that precedes me. Established in 1808, Mount St. Mary’s has for 217 years been a beacon of Catholic education, inspiring students to become ethical, selfless leaders. Our founders climbed this mountain with a vision of educating and empowering individuals to lead lives of significance in service to God and others. This vision continues to inspire us today.
Today marks a momentous occasion, one that would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and vision of the inauguration committee. Your months of planning, attention to detail and unwavering commitment have transformed this day into an unforgettable celebration. From coordinating logistics to ensuring every element reflects the spirit of our institution, your efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary. I am deeply grateful for your hard work, which has made this event not only functional but truly remarkable. Please join me in offering a heartfelt round of applause to the committee and all the staff and volunteers who made today possible.
Last evening I made the Profession of Faith and took the Oath of Fidelity in the presence of Archbishop William Lori, and today I am sharing the dias with Bishop Alfred Schlert, from the Allentown Diocese, whom I have been blessed to know for many years.
Each day, I am mindful that I do not stand here alone. Everything I do, every action I take, builds on the solid foundations forged by my predecessors. Dr. Timothy Trainor, our 26th president, joined us for Mass yesterday, and Dr. Thomas Powell, the Mount’s 24th president, is with us today. Their strong leadership has enabled each positive step we take today.
In addition to the university’s talented, passionate faculty, staff and administrators, I am joined in my work by many others. Standing with me are my family, close friends and a series of exceptional teachers and mentors.
Father Bernie O’Connor, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales and a former president at DeSales University, where I worked for many years, is unable to join us. He is one of my greatest mentors and a formative person in my life and career. When I was serving as the dean of enrollment management, Fr. O’Connor strongly suggested I return to school for my doctorate. I followed his counsel, even though Erin and I had a baby and another on the way, along with jobs that kept us more than busy. Driving back and forth from Allentown to Catholic University in Washington meant passing by Mount St. Mary’s.
Also, here this morning is my brother, Danny, and sister, Jeanine. Our 94-year-old mother, Carmella, was unable to make the trip, and we lost my father in 2017. They too are here, of course; they are always with me.
I grew up in Philadelphia. My father was a mailman. My mother worked for an insurance company until my brother, sister and I came along; later, to help put us through Catholic schools, she worked in my high school cafeteria and managed a concession stand at the old Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia for many years. I am reminded daily of the sacrifice our parents made to provide a Catholic education. I keep my dad’s mailman hat and my mother’s typewriter for her first job out of high school, which my grandparents bought for her, on a shelf in my office. From my parents, my brother, sister and I learned about love, compassion, service to others and hard work. We also learned the value of education, particularly Catholic education.
My greatest source of pride and joy, my five wonderful children, are also here with us today. Isabella, who will be attending medical school in the fall, was Erin’s greatest support throughout the last year. Liam is living his best life on and off the basketball court at Randolph Macon College. Aidan, graduating in June from Allentown Central Catholic High School, has decided to join us this fall as a first-year student. Amelia is killing it as a student, soccer and basketball player at Delone Catholic High School. Finally, the child who steals the show at every family event, Adeline is in second grade at Mother Seton Catholic School, right here in Emmitsburg, and we will celebrate her first communion in a few weeks which she is very excited about.
I raise these amazing souls alongside my wife Erin, my steadfast partner through every triumph and challenge. At the start of my tenure as president, we faced an unimaginable trial when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite this adversity, her courage, resilience and unwavering support have been a source of strength for me every single day. No matter what she was going through, she was there for me, and any success I had was a result of her support. Her presence here today is a testament to her indomitable spirit. Please join me in celebrating her remarkable journey and the life that inspires me to lead with purpose.
Mount St. Mary’s past is a testament to resilience. From the Civil War to the Great Depression, from the shift to co-education to today’s changing demographics, Mount St. Mary’s has flourished through challenge and change. Founded by Fr. DuBois, with Fr. Brute and St. Elizabeth Seton as guiding lights, this “Cradle of Bishops” has shaped the Catholic Church and our nation. It has educated ethical leaders, innovators and servants of the greater good—all carrying the indelible lessons of honesty, integrity and service to God and others.
As I have walked this path with you—meeting hundreds of alumni, students, faculty and friends—I have heard the refrains that define the Mount: “This place gave me a chance.” “It gave me a second chance.” “It is where I found my calling, my spouse, my life’s direction.” Rooted in our historic values, these stories of profound connection—to one another and to this institution—are the bedrock of our strength. They propel us forward, not just for today or tomorrow, but for decades and centuries to come.
Today, we stand stronger than ever, buoyed by the wisdom of our founders and the unity of our three pillars: the university, the seminary, and the National Shrine Grotto. These are not separate entities but a woven tapestry of purpose—pilgrims learning of our students’ brilliance, seminarians mentoring our athletes and faculty igniting minds across disciplines. As I walk past the statue of Mary each morning, I see hope, mercy and love—qualities that guide us all.
Yet, this moment is not just about celebrating where we are, it is about embracing where we are going. Higher education faces unprecedented pressures: rising costs, evolving student needs, technological disruption and global uncertainty. These are not obstacles to fear but invitations to rise with courage, creativity and faith. Together, we can reimagine education, expand access to opportunity, strengthen our communities and lead in sustainability—all with fidelity to our mission and ensuring the Mount remains a transformative force for all who seek it.
The Mount’s newly created three-year strategic plan charts this bold course, building on the shoulders of giants. Imagine a Mount where our three pillars are even more integrated, each lifting the others higher.
Picture a campus where our Catholic identity flows as a wellspring of hope and wisdom for people of all faiths. The National Shrine Grotto, the seminary, and the university combine as a bright, guiding light that illuminates a path for lives of meaning and progress.
See our faculty and staff connecting ever more deeply to our mission, inspiring students who feel this sacred place in their hearts—a place they know they belong. The Catholic intellectual tradition is further imbued with love and charism, giving every student the support and confidence that comes with an entire community that believes in them and their potential.
Envision our seminary’s renown growing as it forms holy priests. This storied, independent home of formation elevates others as a pillar of excellence.
Think of our alumni and partners of all kinds returning to Mary’s Mountain to mentor, advocate and give. The impact of our shared purpose and action compounds in our communities and around the world.
This vision is not simple, nor should it be. The path ahead will have bumps, as it always has. But Mount St. Mary’s history teaches us resilience, and our mission reminds us that this work transcends us. Higher education—especially faith-based education—is inherently optimistic. It is about creating a future that extends opportunities and goodness into the world, through young people eager to grow intellectually, socially and spiritually.
I truly believe that this is Mount St. Mary’s moment—an era of possibility—and it calls each of us to act:
Together, we will pursue new areas of academic excellence—expanding into fields like artificial intelligence and global health, fostering interdisciplinary solutions and investing in cutting-edge research. We will embrace technology and flexible learning to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing world. We will grow globally, with study abroad programs and a diverse campus that reflects the richness of humanity. We will deepen our service, launching new outreach that tackles local and global challenges. And as stewards of this planet, we will lead in sustainability, weaving green principles into all we do so that those who follow us will know the beauty and bounty of God’s creation on this mountain.
Mount St. Mary’s thrives because of our mission, our values and the relationships we share. For me, there is no greater privilege than being part of this trajectory—seeing young people discover their potential, and watching our community rally with love and hope, as my wife, Erin, and I experienced during her recent health challenges. Even on tough days, I feel joy here, knowing we are meant to be part of this moment.
Let’s commit to bold action, unwavering integrity and a collaborative spirit. Let’s keep learning, keep serving and let our work ripple outward, making a difference near and far. Together, we will ensure Mount St. Mary’s shines as a beacon of knowledge, faith and hope—not just for us, but for generations to come. This is our Mount, our mission, our future. Let’s rise to it with all we have.
I stand before you today not just as your new president, but as a fellow member of this extraordinary community. The challenges ahead are significant, but so are our determination, our creativity and our shared commitment to excellence.
Let us move forward with courage, compassion and conviction. Let us honor our rich history by boldly shaping our future. Together, we will write the next inspiring chapter in the story of Mount St. Mary’s University.
Ladies and gentlemen, the time for action is now. Are you ready to answer this call?
Thank you, and may God bless Mount St. Mary’s University.