The Inauguration of President Peña
With full COVID safety protocols in effect, the celebration began with a luncheon in the Performing Arts Center’s Upper Lobby. The Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Asst. Professor of Music David De Jesus, played as the processional marched along the promenade to the Neuberger Museum of Art, led by Professor Joseph Skrivanek, mace carrier and Faculty Marshalls Anne Kern and Lisa Jean Moore.
More than 150 gathered in the Museum’s Theatre Gallery to hear Dennis Glazer, Chair of the Purchase College Council opening the ceremony, followed by greetings from SUNY Board of Trustees Chair Merryl Tisch, Alumni Association President Kevin Collymore ’10, PSGA President Nicholas Astor ’22, Assoc. Professor of Theatre Design/Technology Dan Hanessian, our very own PSC President Sheli Taylor, and Lucille Werlinich, chair of the Purchase College Foundation.
With the installation Rush by Lesley Dill providing a shimmering backdrop, Julia Tortilla-Allen ’21 read an original poem and the Purchase Symphony Orchestra played a Korean folk song.
Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed was keynote speaker preceding Milly Peña’s inaugural address.
Performances by the Soul Voices Choir and Purchase Symphony Orchestra rounded out the day.
Congratulations to Carrie Bianchi, her team, and the many volunteers who brought this momentous occasion to life.
