Words of wisdom from Abraham Lincoln highlighted the ceremony in which Monmouth College inaugurated Clarence Wyatt as its 14th president. The ceremony was titled, "Think Anew, Act Anew," based off a quote from an address Lincoln gave to Congress in 1862.
Those who attended Wyatt's inauguration were given crimson buttons containing that quote.
The ceremony took place on a warm and sunny day in front of Wallace Hall. Students, alumni, and friends of the college participated in the event.
Wyatt came to Monmouth from his alma mater, Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. He served as Chief Planning Officer and Special Assistant to the President at Centre College.
Centre’s President John Roush quoted Lincoln to explain how Wyatt would fit in at Monmouth.
“'I will prepare, and someday my chance will come.' Close quote. Good council, for every student. Good council to all who might come to be inspired by Mr. Lincoln. Monmouth College is all about preparation, and all about equipping students for their chance. And my friends, so is your new President,” Roush said.
Wyatt then took the oath of office, with First Lady Lobie Stone at his side.
In his speech, Wyatt said the U.S. is divided now, just as it was in the time of Lincoln. Wyatt said education could help close the divide.
“But (if) we are to help free our country, our world, of the dogmas of the quiet past, we as educational institutions and those who lead them, must start with ourselves. We must think anew, and act anew,” Wyatt said.
Wyatt said he would also like to make college available for students of all economic and ethnic backgrounds.
Although Wyatt was inaugurated Friday, he began work at Monmouth College on July 1, 2014.
