RC Inaugurates New President
posted 6:30 pm Sat October 25, 2008
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Lynchburg, VA -
The last two years have been tough for Randolph College (web) in Lynchburg, but now leaders say they're turning the page. Saturday morning they gathered to inaugurate a new president—John Klein and he's got big plans for the future.
For Randolph College this ceremony is about much more than just pageantry.
President John Klein, Randolph College - "We really saw it as sort of a turning of the page."
Turning the page from protests and resentment over the college going co-ed.
Ara Friedman, Student Govt. President - "It has been a rough transition that last couple of years but it's nice to be looking towards the future."
...without forgetting the past. Folks here say Randolph Macon Woman's College lives on in spirit if not in name.
Lucy Hooper, Board of Trustees President - "We are feeling that we are building on our wonderful past. We are preserving the heart and core of everything that we were and launching ourselves into a bright future."
That includes plans for major upgrades, financial security and increased enrollment.
Klein - "We are going to grow over the next ten years to 1100 students which is almost doubling our student body."
Friedman - "I was very pleased with the future that he outlined in his speech."
Everyone knows it's probably not going to be easy.
Friedman - "With all the difficulties we have had, it has been a challenge for him to connect with students but I think a big role of mine is help him make those student connections."
Klein says this is not just his inauguration but a celebration of a new future for the college. President John Klein has already been in office for a year but college leaders did not formally inaugurate him until Saturday. He not only has academic experience, but also a business background that college leaders say will prove useful.
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