Last month, I had the incredible honor of being formally installed as North Central College’s 12th president during an investiture ceremony in the Wentz Concert Hall. An investiture ceremony is an important opportunity for the College to unite its community and celebrate its history, while preparing to embrace the future collectively.
Representatives of various stakeholder groups—students, faculty, staff, and community members—participated in the ceremony by offering messages on behalf of their constituent groups. I was humbled by the messages of support that were shared, and excitement for the College’s future was palpable.
One of those messages was shared by Mayor Scott Wehrli, speaking on behalf of the City of Naperville. During his remarks Mayor Wehrli commented on Naperville’s small-town charm—unique for such a large city. He called it “an endearing quality that sets us apart from others.”
I would describe North Central College similarly. Even though we are an institution that is growing and pushing toward the future through newly launched health science programs, artificial intelligence initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s critical that we not lose sight of who we are at our core.
Likewise, as Naperville welcomes tomorrow’s innovators and emerging industries such as life sciences, it has preserved its history and neighborly feeling that attracted residents here in first place.
It’s at times like these that I reflect on our values. North Central College opened its doors 164 years ago, in the throes of the Civil War, to provide education to both men and women, many of whom were German-speaking immigrants. While the College has evolved considerably since its founding, we have maintained our heritage of access, moral courage and forward-thinking. This is what has enabled us to meet the changing needs of Civil War veterans to millennial entrepreneurs.
John Wesley, an early leader in the Methodist movement—the faith tradition from which North Central College was founded—stated that the rules for Christian living were simple: “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” As an institution, we will continue to be guided by these values because, simply put, that is who we are.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!
North Central College and Naperville: The Best of Both Worlds
