Spelman College formally installed Helene D. Gayle , M.D., MPH, as its 11 th President at the investiture ceremony held today, April 28 , at the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel.
During the ceremony, attended by Spelman’s Board of Trustees, higher education peers, distinguished guests, family and friends, Dr. Gayle was officially bestowed the title of president. The inauguration theme of “Honoring Our Past, Claiming Our Future” paid homage to the great leaders that came before her, as well as her hope and vision for continued success of this storied institution.
During her inaugural address, Dr. Gayle acknowledged and thanked the past five Spelman presidents in attendance, as well as many individuals who have played an important role in her life. During her remarks she reaffirmed her commitment to Spelman and aspirations for the future
“I am here to honor the vision and mission of the founders,” said Dr. Gayle. “I am here to continue the legacy of all the past presidents who made it possible for me to inherit an institution with few problems and many possibilities. I am here for the same reason this institution has always been here: to ensure there is a special place – that there will always be a special place – where a young Black woman with a dream of making the world better will be nurtured and affirmed, educated wholly, and encouraged to be and become her best and authentic self. It is an amazing calling. And I am humbled to accept this mantle of leadership.”
Rosalind Gates Brewer , C’84, chair of the Spelman Board of Trustees and president and CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, presided over the investiture ceremony. Guest speakers included: Mary Schmidt Campbell , 10 th president of Spelman College ; David A. Thomas , president of Morehouse College ; Sian Beilock , president of Barnard College ; Charlayne Hunter-Gault , American Civil Rights activist and journalist; and Sylvia…
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