Inauguration

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

Learn more about Joe Cassidy by clicking the photo and see the schedule of inauguration events along with other details below.

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
Inauguration Ceremony Program

Event: Reception
Attendees: SJC Community and Invited Guests
Time: 4:30 PM (immediately following the ceremony)
Location: Xavier Hall

Inauguration Ceremony Program

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.