ALYSSA BUMP
Editor in Chief
Even though Dr. Stephen H. Kolison Jr. began his term as president of SUNY Fredonia on Aug. 17, 2020, his Investiture Ceremony was just held on Sept. 9, 2022 at 1 p.m. in King Concert Hall. The ceremony was delayed two years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With the theme of “Enhancing access to, and persistence at, the well of knowledge, discovery and success,” this long-awaited ceremony aimed to honor Kolison and launch a new era of Fredonia history. This theme is a symbolic choice for Kolison, as attendees learned through the several speakers that Kolison was once a first generation college student.
Kolison is SUNY Fredonia’s first African American president, and he is also the first native of the Republic of Liberia to become president of an accredited American university.
Kolison’s Investiture included musical performances from Fredonia Chamber Choir, Wind Ensemble and African Drumming Ensemble. University and local leaders, as well as select students, gave remarks before a community of attendees. Among the attendees were faculty, students, staff, alumni and even some members of Kolison’s family.
Esther Kolison, Kolison’s sister, sat with the speakers during the ceremony and provided some remarks.
“We know you will be a wonderful president because you care about people,” Esther said. “You are kind, thoughtful, and treat people with empathy, dignity, integrity and grace. You are visionary. You work hard, love students and truly believe in the power of higher education.”
Dr. Rob Deemer, professor of composition in the school of music and interim chair of the department of theatre and dance, spoke on Kolison’s ability to continue to make connections in the midst of the pandemic.
“The timing of the beginning of your presidency, Stephen, well let’s just say it was one for the ages,” Deemer said. “… But every week, you reached out to us [via email] — keeping us informed and making sure we knew that while we couldn’t interact in person, there was someone who thoughtfully guided the campus through those historic days.”
Ilene Thompson, president of the Student Association, spoke on her direct experience as a student during Kolison’s presidency.
“One of the first things I observed about [Kolison] was his eagerness to connect with students,” Thompson said. “I’m sure that other university presidents are only known by their names, but I can actually say I’ve had lunch with mine. … Dr. Kolison’s presence on campus is reassuring that he is in community with us and that he is committed to the wellbeing of not only the institution, but to every single individual that makes up this very institution.”
Once Kolison was presented with the presidential medallion and the Chains of Office, he became overwhelmed with emotions.
“As I stand here at this moment, I wish my mother and father were here today,” Kolison said. “All that I am and all that I [become] are because I have parents who love me and inspire me. I am so grateful. … I’m humbled and deeply emotional.”
He continued to express why SUNY Fredonia is worth celebrating through showing his earnest will to serve as president of this intuition.
“I have no hesitation about wanting to work with you,” Kolison said. “… I believe in what we do here. We are transforming lives for the better. What could be more important?”