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Delegates from 134 colleges and learned societies joined Susquehanna students, faculty, emeriti and board members in a formal procession marking the inauguration of L. Jay Lemons as the University's 14th president on September 23, 2001. Nearly a thousand alumni, friends and members of the campus community joined the weekend celebration that began with a series of Friday evening student events and included a student musical showcase, athletic contests, a series of receptions, and a special worship service. University of Virginia President John T. Casteen delivered remarks at the installation ceremony in Weber Chapel Auditorium. The newly opened Susquehanna Field House served as the venue for the post-inaugural reception as well as an inaugural luncheon hosted by representatives of student organizations.

The inaugural convocation in Weber Chapel Auditorium was a ceremony of celebration that also recognized the tragic events of Sept. 11.

In remarks following his installation as president, Lemons said many Susquehanna students lost loved ones and at least two alumni were killed in the World Trade Center bombings. "Clearly the choice for democracy over barbarism depends upon our having educated citizens. Yet, knowledge alone is not sufficient for democracy to flourish. There must be something more than knowledge that leads us from barbarism to the path of freedom, truth and love," he said.

Acknowledging that the "something" is a bit elusive, he added, "Yet, I stand before you with a deep conviction that the events of last week make our work here at Susquehanna University and at our sister institutions of higher learning more important than ever."

In speaking of Susquehanna's 143-year history, he said he is fortunate to be at a student-centered institution where academic excellence and talented faculty, staff and students combine to create a "synergy that has propelled Susquehanna University to heights that were unimaginable to the previous generations of Susquehannans."

He made special note of a "rich and diverse set of learning opportunities from collaborative research involving faculty and students, service learning activities both near and far, and a cherished value about the benefit of learning about other cultures." Equally important, he said, "the university celebrates a holistic approach to student development and learning through its commitment to a residential-model of higher education and a rich, vibrant campus life."

John T. Casteen, president of the University of Virginia, gave the inaugural address noting that Lemons is recognized as one of the brightest and most thoughtful young college presidents in the country. "He is a man of tremendous potential and accomplishment. You have no doubt seen these qualities firsthand since Jay arrived in January - fierce loyalty to the institution, boundless energy, a deep and abiding concern for people, bold and creative thinking, and a knack for achieving consensus."

He added that those gifts will serve Susquehanna well in the challenges that lie ahead, not only for the nation, but also in higher education. Those challenges include keeping pace with digital and electronic technology, growing globalization, the impact of a slowing economy, and educating the next generation of leaders to reason, analyze and think while having compassion for the welfare of others, he noted.

Lemons and his wife, Marsha, and their four children relocated to Selinsgrove in January 2001 following Lemon's unanimous election as Susquehanna University's president on October 1, 2000. He previously served for eight years as chancellor of The University of Virginia's College at Wise, a selective, public, liberal arts college in southwestern Virginia.