On Friday, September 20, Saint Joseph’s College formally installed Dr. James Dlugos as the college’s 14th president during an inauguration ceremony at its Standish campus. Attendees included delegates from across the state and country, representing various colleges and public offices. Inauguration celebrations began Wednesday, September 18, with student, staff and faculty events.
After comments from visiting delegates, Dr. Dlugos addressed the audience. “Those who offered greetings earlier in the ceremony,” he said, “represent much larger groups of people who carry with them both their own stories and a part of the story of Saint Joseph’s College. The college artifacts that have just been presented to me also have their stories, and they contain the stories of our ancestors: the Sisters of Mercy, the dedicated faculty and staff, and the generations of students who have brought as much to us as they have received from us. Together they tell part of the story of how as a community we have arrived at this place. All these people and their stories, with their hopes and dreams, frustrations and achievements, float together and meet us here as life-giving waters.”
President Dlugos continued, “I thank the community that is Saint Joseph’s College for the gift you have given me today, by inviting me and my particular story into your – and now our – ongoing story. And so, on with the story.”
Prior to joining the college in July of 2012, President Dlugos served for seven years as the vice president and dean of academic affairs at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, New Jersey. He has 16 years of experience at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, in a variety of roles, including vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Boston College, and a doctorate in English from the University of Virginia.
