Lifting and Sustaining Our Community Through Collaboration and Partnership

The Inauguration of

Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D.

Tenth President River Valley Community College

River Valley Community College September 19, 2014

Lifting and Sustaining Our Community Through Collaboration and Partnership

The Inauguration of

Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D. Tenth President

River Valley Community College

River Valley Community CollegeClaremont, New Hampshire

Scotland the Brave, Andy Chamberlain Bagpiper United States Marine Corps

Jennifer Saylor Program Director, Occupational Therapy Assistant Reverend Mister Paul BoucherRVCC Advisory Board Member Lebanon Chamber of Commerce President

Dr. Vincent E. Mumford Vice President of Academic Affairs

Paul HollowayChair

Dr. Ross Gittell Chancellor

Charlene Lovett Chair

Guy Santagate City Manager

John MacLean City Manager

The Honorable Joan Pratt Comptroller Dr. Leigh Marthe Director of Instructional Services Chair of the Inaugural Committee

Melissa Richmond, Flute Angela Biggs, Harp

Processional

Presentation of Colors

The National Anthem

Invocation

Welcome and Greetings

On behalf of the CCSNH Board of Trustees

On behalf of CCSNH

On behalf of the River Valley Community College

Advisory Board

On behalf of the City of Claremont

On behalf of the City of Keene

On behalf of the City of Baltimore

Reflections on a College and Its Leader

Special Musical Tribute Menuette by Joseph Haydn

The Inauguration CeremonyPresiding

Dr. Vincent E. MumfordVice President of Academic Affairs

The audience will please rise and remain standing until the conclusion of the Invocation.

On behalf of the River

Valley Community College Faculty

On behalf of the Staff

On behalf of the Students

On behalf of the Alumni

On behalf of Business and Industry Partners

Inaugural Poem

Citations, Proclamations & Letters

Congratulatory Message

Charge

Presentation of Chain of Office Medallion and Mace

Presenting the New

President

Inaugural Address

Benediction

Retirement of Colors

Recessional

Jo Ann Clifford Senior Faculty Member

Martha Mott Director of WorkReadyNH

Garon Maragh Student in Business and Healthcare Administration

Sharon Gilbert Class of 1998, Registrar

Barbara Couch Vice President of Corporate Social ResponsibilityHypertherm, Inc.

Alice Fogel New Hampshire State Poet Laureate

Mayor Kendall W. Lane Keene, NH James Allen Director of Library Services Dr. Wilfredo Nieves President of Capital Community College

Paul Holloway, Chair, Board of Trustees

Dr. Ross Gittell, Chancellor

Dr. Rufus Sylvester Lynch Stoneleigh Foundation Social Change Senior Fellow and President’s Brother

Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, President

Reverend Mister Kenneth Czechowicz Professor of Respiratory Therapy

United States Marine Corps

Scotland the Brave, Andy Chamberlin Receiving Line with Reception to Follow

Salutations and Support of Office

Ceremony of Investiture

About River Valley Community CollegeSince 1968, River Valley Community College, formerly known as the New Hampshire Community Technical College at Claremont, has been providing quality education in an academic environment small enough to allow individualized attention. Students in the thirty-five career-oriented programs gain highly specialized skills and knowledge necessary to confidently and successfully enter the job market in a number of technical, business and health-oriented fields. In 1999, the college implemented an Associate in Arts degree that provides the first two years of a four-year baccalaureate program.

The student population is a diverse, learning-centered community. Our learners are focused on academic achievement, meeting career-based goals, or preparing themselves for transfer.

The main campus, which is located on Route 120 approximately two miles north of downtown Claremont, underwent a 2.9 million dollar renovation in 2014. The new campus offers students spacious and modern classroom and laboratory facilities in a quiet rural setting.

The College views itself as serving the needs of both the region and the state. It cooperates with local industry, business, service and health organizations to meet those needs.

In the fall of 2004, River Valley Community College opened the Keene Academic Center in an effort to expand and address the needs of our partnering community in Keene. This campus offers increased access to post secondary education to residents of the Monadnock Region.

The Keene Academic Center provides local access and assistance in college admissions, academic advising, and support services such as financial aid, tutoring, and course registration. Many general education courses along with courses in some of our most popular programs such as, Business, Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, and Creative Writing are available at the satellite campus in Keene. The Keene Academic Center acts as a vital link to the local business community for economic development in the area.

Classes at all locations are offered during the day, evening, and 100% online. River Valley Community College is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Mission

VisionTo be a national leader in transforming lives through an innovative, rigorous, and compassionate approach to education.

River Valley Community College is a premier learning organization that changes lives and transforms society by preparing diverse learners to achieve goals of lifelong learning, professional advancement and academic transfer. Championing accessibility and academic integrity, customer service and civility, we exceed expectations.

President Alicia B. Harvey-Smith, Ph.D.On July 15, 2013, nationally recognized community college leader Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith joined River Valley Community College as its tenth president. Viewing leadership as a calling to serve, Dr. Harvey-Smith brought new energy and direction to the institution with a commitment to lift and sustain its community through collaboration and partnership.

A scholar and author, Dr. Harvey-Smith originated the Seventh Learning College Principle which directs focus on the revitalization of organizational cultures to transform learning environments. She has published such works as: Eclectic Insights – A Composition of Poetry and Essays, The Seventh Learning College Principle: A Framework for Transformational Change and Partnering for Success: How to Build Strong Internal Collaborations in Higher Education.

A native Marylander, Dr. Harvey-Smith earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University, her Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from The Johns Hopkins University and her Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services with Retention in Higher Education as her concentration from The University of Maryland – College Park.

With more than 25 years of combined experience in leadership, instruction, organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and training & development, Dr. Harvey-Smith is a proponent of learning-centered education. She has served in a variety of academic and higher education positions including; Vice President of Student Affairs at Baltimore City Community College, and consecutive deanships at The Community College of Baltimore County as Dean of Learning & Student Development and Dean of Learning Support Systems.

Possessing a distinguished record of national leadership and community service, this dynamic president served on the Board of Directors for the American Conference of Academic Deans, The National Council of Student Development, The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education and the American Association of Community College’s Commission for Academic, Student and Community Development.  She currently serves on the New Hampshire Higher Education Commission. Presented with numerous awards, citations and proclamations, Dr. Harvey-Smith was one of fifty college and university presidents competitively selected to attend Harvard University’s Seminar for New Presidents.

Dr. Harvey-Smith is married and resides in Claremont, NH with her husband of 30 years Major Donald W. Smith (US Army Retired) and recent retiree from the U.S. Capitol Police.

Congratulatory Speaker Dr. Wilfredo Nieves

Dr. Wilfredo Nieves career exemplifies a lifetime commitment to the community college mission of access and opportunity, learning, service and success. From his work as a member of the faculty and in student services to his more recent roles and accomplishments as an academic and administrative leader, he has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of college leadership. He was appointed President of Capital Community College in July 2010 after serving as President of Middlesex Community College for ten years. His career demonstrates the depth and breadth necessary to provide exemplary leadership in the complex environment of higher education today. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to education.

Dr. Nieves serves as a Commissioner for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has served as an evaluator for it as well as for the Commission on Higher Education for the Middle States Association. He is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges’ Board of Directors where he chairs the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity. He also has chaired the Committee on Directors and Membership Services and the Committee on Program Initiatives and Workforce Training.

Wilfredo Nieves is a committed community leader and is active in many civic and community organizations. In 2013 he was recognized by the Middlesex United Way and awarded its highest and most prestigious volunteer award, the Community Service Award.

Wilfredo Nieves received his doctorate of education in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Master of Education degree in Applied Human Development from Columbia University. He received his BA in Mathematics from Keane University of New Jersey.

Wilfredo is married to Iris Rivas-Nieves and has two sons, Adrian who also resides in Middletown and Davian who is entering second grade at Farm Hill Elementary School.

Board of Trustees Community College System of New Hampshire

John Calhoun, IVAllen DamrenNed DensmoreRobert DuhaimeStephen EllisMikhala EuleStephen Guyer Richard HeathJeremy HitchcockTricia H. LucasClaudette Mahar

GOVERNOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRETHE HONORABLE MARGARET WOOD HASSAN

Adam Moy David C. PaquetteDr. Rafael Rojas, Jr.Angela Roussel-Roberge Steve RothenbergConnie Roy-CzyzowskiKatharine Bogle ShieldsSusan SiegelAlison Stebbins John T. StevensKim Trisciani

Board of TrusteesPaul Holloway - Chair

River Valley Community CollegeAdvisory Board

Charlene Lovett, Chair

Dr. Wildolfo ArveloVirginia BarryGeorge CopadisDr. Susan DuntonDr. Ross GittellDr. Alicia Harvey-Smith

Dr. Susan HuardDr. Scott KalickiLucille JordanRonald RiouxJeffrey RoseMatthew Wood

Ex Officio MembersMargaret Wood Hassan - Governor

Patricia Barry Paul BoucherAllen DamrenGary Gray

Jim Logan Heather MinklerGuy SantagateFrank Sprague

The Presidents of River Valley Community College

Dr. Roland Stoodley 1967-1991Willis Reed 1991-1995Dr. Keith Bird 1995-1997Lucille Jordan 1997-2005Dr. Susan Henderson 2005-2006Harvey Hill 2006-2007Steven Budd 2007-2012Harvey Hill 2012-2013Ron Rioux 2013Dr. Alicia Harvey-Smith 2013-Current

Founding President Roland Stoodley with President Alicia Harvey-Smith

Delegates of Colleges and Universities

1823 TRINITY COLLEGE Joanne Berger-Sweeney, President 1834 WHEATON COLLEGEHansi Glahn, Alumna 1837 COLBY-SAWYER COLLEGEDr. Deborah Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty

1856UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND - COLLEGE PARKDr. Monique Clague, Professor Emeritus 1871 PLYMOUTH STATE UNIVERSITYDr. Sara Jayne Steen, President 1909 KEENE STATE COLLEGEDr. Anne Huot, President

1910 NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY Dr. David S. Hood, Associate Dean 1945 MANCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGEDr. Susan Huard, President

1945 GREAT BAY COMMUNITYCOLLEGE Dr. Wildolfo Arvelo, President

1957 BALTIMORE CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGEChimaraoke Ugah, Faculty

1962 NEWBURY COLLEGEJoseph L. Chillo, President 1963 UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF NH Kathleen Mullin, Associate Vice Chancellor 1965 NHTI CONCORD’S COMMUNITY COLLEGEDr. Susan Dunton, President

1967 LAKES REGION COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dr. Scott Kalicki, President

1972GRANITE STATE COLLEGE Dr. Scott Stanley, Interim Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs

An inauguration is a series of events organized around the formal installation of a new college president. Often built around a particular theme, an inauguration encompasses a series of public events that showcase the college or university to the citizenry each serves. These events provide opportunities for members of the college to celebrate all elements of the institution and move forward together.

Traditionally, at colleges and universities, the ceremonial endowment of the presidential powers takes place sometime during the year after the official appointment of a new president is made. Delegates from other academic institutions, along with faculty, staff and students are invited to participate as the inauguration acts not only as an opportunity for a college to look ahead to its future while honoring its traditions, but serves as an official recognition of a president's entrance into the nation's academic leadership.

Though an inauguration is a standard ceremonial tradition in higher education institutions, it will be the first inauguration for River Valley Community College. The college is excited to incorporate this important academic ritual into its culture and history with the installation of Dr. Harvey-Smith.

While an inauguration is often made up of many different events, the focus of an inauguration ceremony is the official installation of the college’s new leadership. This ritual is the official act of the institution taking an historic step into its next chapter.

During the ceremony the new president is formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of the presidency. The ceremony gives the new president the opportunity to share a vision for the institution. Community service, veterans, business and industry, educational partnerships, and scholarships are key themes Dr. Harvey-Smith will reveal as part of her vision for the future of River Valley Community College.

The Tradition of the Inauguration in Higher Education

Today’s academic procession is derived from European religious processions of the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities were forming but were still closely associated with the medieval church.

The order used in the procession evolved in this country as institutions of higher learning began to value the role of ceremony. At the front of the line is the marshal, followed by delegates from other educational institutions and from professional and learned societies. These delegates march in order of the founding date of their institution, with the oldest first.

The second section is composed of members of the River Valley Community College faculty. The procession is formed in the order of length of service. This group is followed by members of the Board of Trustees of the Community College System of New Hampshire and members of today’s platform party. The final two participants to enter the hall are the Macebearer and President Alicia B. Harvey-Smith.

The Academic Procession

The Medallion of OfficeThe Presidential Medallion, which is an integral part of the investiture, is designed around the official college seal and is worn on ceremonial occasions.

The college seal contains the founding year and images of a falcon, shield, the book of knowledge and a river. These symbolic icons embody the ideals of freedom, courage, intelligence, and the regional abundance brought together by the powerful rivers that connect River Valley Community College to the environment, industry, agriculture, and the economic and educational communities we serve.

Designed in celebration of the first official inauguration of a president in the Community College System of New Hampshire, the medallion has a special historic place in River Valley Community College’s history.

The MaceThe word “mace” is derived from the Latin “mateola,” meaning mallet or staff. In the Middle Ages, these staffs, with a ball of copper or brass at one end, were used as weapons against armored warriors. As weaponry became more sophisticated, the mace evolved as a symbol of power. Universities in Europe adopted the mace as a symbol of authority and unity, and today many institutions use the mace in a ceremonial capacity. The mace is carried to official college functions by the macebearer, the senior faculty member in length of service to the college.

The geometric symbol on the back of the mace was conceived by Major Donald W. Smith, spouse of River Valley Community College’s tenth president, and is the 47th problem of Euclid representing the arts, science and the challenge of intellect.

The new River Valley Community College mace was presented to Dr. Harvey-Smith by Crown Point Cabinetry Company and designed by Fred Puksta. The mace was a generous donation from Brian and Rebecca Stowell, owners of this local company. Fred is the son of Charles Puksta who was a long time leader in Claremont dedicated to improving the educational landscape for this region.

Academic RegaliaThe caps, gowns, and hoods seen today evolved from European medieval costumes worn during religious processions to distinguish church and university members from the laity. Most medieval scholars had taken at least minor orders and, like clerics, wore long robes for warmth in unheated buildings. In present times, the attire serves to indicate, by style and adornment, the chief academic degree attained, the major field of study, and the college or university attended by the wearer.

Modern academic costume in the United States is based on an intercollegiate code established in 1895. Most gowns are black, although in recent years more American universities have allowed the use of their college colors. The bachelor’s gown has long, pointed sleeves, is untrimmed, and is worn closed. The master’s gown, worn open or closed, has long, crescent-shaped sleeves. The doctor’s gown has velvet panels down the front and around the neck, and velvet bars on the bell-shaped sleeves. The velvet is black or the color of the wearer’s major field of study.

The customary head covering is either the mortarboard or the Oxford cap. The tassel on the mortarboard may be black or a color indicating the wearer’s degree.

The hood, which drapes over the back of the gown, carries the greatest symbolism of all the components of the academic costume. It dates back to the 12th century, when it functioned as a head cover and shoulder cape. The hood lining, which is exposed in the center as it lies over the back of the gown, matches the color or colors of the degree-granting institution, and the velvet trim on the hood reveals the wearer’s major field of study. Those who hold more than one academic degree may wear only one hood at a time.

President Harvey-Smith’s regalia includes several elements that represent River Valley Community College and indicate the rank of her office. Her robe, in River Valley Community College teal, features four navy chevrons outlined with gold piping on each sleeve. In addition the panels on the front of her robe are embroidered with the college seal. Dr. Harvey-Smith’s hood incorporates her doctoral alma mater, University of Maryland College Park’s gold, red, and black along with River Valley’s signature colors.

Special Thanks...

...to the Claremont Savings Bank for their generous Inaugural Event Sponsorship.

...to the Inaugural Committee and the faculty and staff of River Valley Community College for creating this week of events around the platform envisioned by Dr. Harvey-Smith.

Envisioning the Future • Our Future by Design River Valley Community College

One College PlaceClaremont, New Hampshire 03743www.rivervalley.edu