The Inauguration of Joseph Cassidy, J.D., as Saint Joseph’s College’s fifteenth president will be celebrated during the week of September 23 through 27, 2024
Joseph L. Cassidy, President
Joseph Cassidy
President Joseph L. Cassidy
President
Joseph L. Cassidy, JD is the 15th President of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. He has been involved in education for more than 30 years, serving students as an elementary school teacher, high school teacher, college professor, and for 10 years as a college president in the Maine Community College System. Joe joined Saint Joseph’s in 2023 following five successful years as president of Southern Maine Community College in South Portland, Maine’s largest community college with 6,500 students. He was previously president of Washington County Community College in Calais for five years, and once served a year simultaneously as interim president of Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor.
Joe’s work with the MCCS was highlighted by successfully building up and empowering the people that he worked with, including students, staff, and faculty members. A hallmark of his college leadership has been building and strengthening partnerships with other colleges, k-12 schools, local communities, and mission aligned organizations. In his first year at Saint Joseph’s College, Joe has enjoyed getting to know the students and employees who make SJC such a unique college community. He has been particularly happy to come to know the local Sisters of Mercy and to understand the history and importance of Saint Joseph’s College’s roots as a Mercy Institution.
Born and raised in downeast Maine, Joe has proudly volunteered for many local organizations and activities, including as a little league coach and boy scout leader, and he once served as Mayor of his hometown, Calais, Maine. A licensed attorney, he has served in the past as a member of the Board of Trustees for various organizations, including JMG, and as a member of the State of Maine Economic Recovery Committee. Joe lives here on campus at Saint Joseph’s College with his wife Vanessa and their son Max, who is a freshman at the Catholic University of America.
Information for the SJC Community and Invited Guests
We are pleased to welcome the SJC community including students, faculty, staff, trustees, and alumni along with other invited guests to campus for events celebrating the inauguration of Joseph Cassidy as the 15th president of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
As you prepare to join us for this special occasion, the information below may be helpful.
Inauguration Week Schedule
Event: Inauguration Kickoff Picnic
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Lawn Adjacent to Mercy Hall (weather permitting)
Event: Dinner and Reception with the Sisters of Mercy
Attendees: Invitation Only
Event: Men's Soccer Game
Attendees: SJC Community and Visitors
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Turf Field - Athletic Complex
Event: Student Celebration with Games and S'mores
Attendees: SJC Students
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fishbowl and Firepit
Event: Mercy Tea & Employee Celebration
Attendees: SJC Faculty and Staff
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Xavier Hall
Event: Lunch featuring some of President Cassidy's favorite foods
Attendees: SJC Community
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Pearson's Cafe - Mercy Hall
Event: Faculty Academic Symposium
Attendees: SJC Community
Time: 3:30 PM
Location: Viola George Auditorium - Alfond Hall
Event: Reception
Attendees: SJC Community
Time: 5:00 PM (immediately following the symposium)
Location: Second Floor Lounge - Alfond Hall
Event: Mass of the Holy Spirit
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Healy Chapel - Heffernan Center
Event: Community Lunch
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Pearson’s Cafe - Mercy Hall
Event: Ceremony of Presidential Installation
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Gym - Alfond Recreation Center
Event: Reception
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 4:30 PM (immediately following the ceremony)
Location: Xavier Hall
Important Inauguration Details
Directions and Campus Map
Inauguration activities will take place on SJC’s campus at 278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish, Maine 04084. Driving directions and a campus map are available here.
Parking
Saint Joseph’s College Campus Safety personnel will direct all guests to available parking locations on campus.
Where to Stay
Out-of-town guests can find a list of area hotels available here. Saint Joseph's is not responsible for hotel charges.
Guests Attending Friday’s Mass and Ceremony
Guests attending the Mass and inauguration ceremony on Friday should plan to arrive at the event venue 20 to 30 minutes early in order to be seated before the event begins.
Delegate Check-In
Delegates attending Friday’s Ceremony may check in at the front desk at the Alfond Recreation Center beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Upon check-in, delegates will be directed to the robing area. Please lock any valuables out of sight in your vehicle before checking in. The robing area will not be monitored during the ceremony.
Processional
Procession participants should assemble at (location to be announced) beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
The procession will begin forming at 2:00 p.m. Marshals will coordinate the lineup and will lead the procession.
The inauguration ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. and is expected to conclude by 4:30 p.m.
Academic Procession
In keeping with tradition, Friday’s Ceremony of Presidential Installation will begin with an academic procession. SJC faculty, leadership team members, trustees, delegates, stage party, and others participating in the procession are to be attired in the appropriate regalia for their field of study and highest degree earned.
Members of the SJC community participating in the procession who do not have regalia should send an email to inauguration2024@sjcme.edu. Limited quantities are available for loan.
Delegates of other colleges and universities are required to provide their own regalia.
Note: The Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday will not feature an academic procession.
Additionally, faculty and staff may attend the inauguration ceremony without donning regalia and participating in the academic procession.
Accessibility
If you need to make arrangements for accessibility seating and parking, please send an email to inauguration2024@sjcme.edu no later than September 13th.
Other Information
Pets are not allowed at inauguration events–only leashed service animals. Please do not leave pets in your vehicle.
Please check back for updated information prior to the scheduled events.
Questions can be directed to inauguration2024@sjcme.edu.