Charting the Course
Dr. Jason N. Adsit inaugurated as the Mount's seventh president
The Mount Saint Mary College community, distinguished local leaders, and friends of the college celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Jason N. Adsit, the Mount’s seventh president, on September 13, 2019.
Mass was concelebrated that morning by Cardinal Timothy Dolan; Bishop Dominick J. Lagonegro, DD; Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, fifth president of the Mount; and Fr. Gregoire J. Fluet, college chaplain and director of Campus Ministry.
At the ceremony that afternoon, regional leaders such as William Kaplan, Newburgh businessman and philanthropist, and Sr. Ann Sakac, OP, fourth president of the Mount, were present in recognition of Dr. Adsit’s service to the college.
Cardinal Dolan gave the invocation: “We are confident in your presence, Jesus... your presence we already honor on this beautiful, historic campus,” he said. “We beseech your continued presence, your wisdom and guidance, upon our new president, Dr. Jason Adsit.”
Michael J. Olivette, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the Mount, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd: “Dr. Adsit’s inauguration celebrates the beginning of the Mount’s next chapter,” he said. “Under his leadership, we have embraced a vision for our future – to build upon the college’s long-standing dedication to service.”
Among those who offered words of encouragement to Dr. Adsit were Beverly Mennerich ’68, president of the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the Mount Alumni Association; Torrance Harvey MSEd ’03, mayor of Newburgh; Anthony Liotti, vice chair of the college’s Board of Trustees; Sr. Catherine McDonnell, OP ’69, prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Hope; Sr. Margaret Anderson, OP ’67, former vice chair of the Mount Board and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee; and Nancy H. Blattner, president of Caldwell University.
Dr. David A. Kennett, former interim president of the Mount, entrusted the college’s ceremonial mace to Dr. Adsit. In addition, Charles P. Frank, chairman of the college’s Board of Trustees, presented Dr. Adsit with the Presidential Medallion and Chain of Office.
Dr. Adsit thanked the many faculty, staff, students, and friends of the college who made the inauguration celebration possible, as well as the Dominican Sisters of Hope who founded the college 60 years ago.
To the students, he said: “You’re the reason why we exist, and why I get up every morning trying to figure out how we can make the best educational experience we can for you. Then I go to bed each night wanting to make it better for you the next day.”
Dr. Adsit reiterated the Mount’s dedication to service and community outreach. “When you’re in the service of others, you’re in the service of God,” he said. “Pour yourself out. Light the lamp. Spark a change. Put yourself last and discover the authentic person who is revealed through your selfless acts of service. Because then you will find peace. Peace be upon all of you.”