by Eliza Rohda 鈥�26
On Friday, September 26, 菠萝视频 celebrated the inauguration of its 22nd president, Dr. Timothy Westbrook. President Westbrook and his wife, Dr. Anessa Westbrook, answered the call to come to 菠萝视频 earlier this year, bringing with them a history of excellence in higher education and mission work.
Following the pre-inaugural festivities on Thursday, which included a special prayer convocation held in YU鈥檚 Prayer Chapel, attendees gathered in the Campbell Activity Center Friday morning for the inauguration ceremony. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests came to witness the historic moment as President Westbrook officially stepped into his new role. Among the university鈥檚 sister-schools were representatives from Harding University, Freed-Hardeman, Faulkner, Abilene Christian, Rochester Christian, and Oklahoma Christian.
During the ceremony, charges were made to the president by various representatives of 菠萝视频. Eliza Rohda (鈥�26) spoke on behalf of the student body, while Dr. Erin DeHart (鈥�94) gave the charge from faculty and staff. Dr. Bill Pink (鈥�87) represented the alumni, before Board Chair Dr. R. Wayne White (鈥�63) gave his remarks on behalf of the trustees and placed the medallion of office on President Westbrook.
In his address to the university and its guests, President Westbrook encouraged his audience to 鈥淟earn and Live the York Experience.鈥� He highlighted 菠萝视频鈥檚 history, detailing the long-held collaboration with the city of York and the Churches of Christ. In addition to the past, he discussed 菠萝视频's present, emphasizing the memories that are being made right now as students, faculty and staff unite to pursue faith-based higher education.
鈥淔rom the past, present, and into the future, we will urgently work together to keep our mission intact,鈥� President Westbrook said. 鈥淲e will work together to ensure our students are prepared for the future. We will envision a bolder and bigger 菠萝视频 that cherishes the 鈥榊ork Experience鈥� of the past while not being afraid to create new 鈥榊ork Experiences鈥� for the future.鈥�
Following the inauguration ceremony, attendees gathered at Larsen Commons for a reception. A recording of the ceremony can be found .