OCTOBER 22, 2025 • VOLUME 96 • ISSUE 8
The official student newspaper of Quinnipiac University since 1929
Quinnipiac University inaugurates Marie Hardin as the 10th president
TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE
‘We're going to write the next chapter of this story to serve a purpose, lead with heart and always lift others higher’ By AVA HIGHLAND News Editor
In front of a crowd of students, staff, faculty, alumni and family, Marie Hardin was sworn in as Quinnipiac University’s 10th president. During the ceremony at the M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus, a series of speakers and formal traditions officially welcomed Hardin to Quinnipiac. “Thank you for the welcome y’all,” Hardin said to the crowd in Texas-fashion. Hardin shared her visions for the university and its community, noting ambitions to have unity and overcome challenges. “We’re in the dream making business,” Hardin said. “Our impact is infinite. Hardin began her tenure on July 1 and has since made a strong impression on the Bobcat community, as noted by Provost Debra Liebowitz in her welcome to open the ceremony. “She brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, to innovation, and I think, as we’ve all seen already, to the community,” Liebowitz said. “These are values that have long defined Quinnipiac spirit and purpose. And I’m sure all who have had the opportunity to interact with her also have realized that she brings the inquisitiveness of a journalist, an infectious energy.” Liebowitz closed her welcoming remarks by noting the purpose behind the ceremony. “A university inauguration is a formal time to formally welcome our new president, to hear more about their vision, but also to kind of show them the Quinnipiac spirit,” Liebowitz said. “Give them the proper welcome into our Bobcat family.” Following Liebowitz’s remarks were students Ava and Sophie Gambardella singing the National Anthem and later The Legends A Cappella performed a rendition of “Finesse” by Bruno Mars.
A sequence of speakers were called to the stage for greetings — speaking on behalf of various groups within the Bobcat community. Student Government Association President Zachary O’Connell, speaking for students, expressed his excitement to work with Hardin. O’Connell also noted Hardin’s presence on campus and evident focus on making students feel heard. “Students are the heart of Quinnipiac, and that’s because of the incredible energy, passion and commitment my peers bring to campus every single day,” O’Connell said. “Today, I have the privilege of welcoming someone who shares that same passion from day one, Marie has been
present and engaged across campus. She’s not just leading from her office, but she’s out here with us, listening, connecting and making sure our students feel seen and supported.” To represent the 74,000 Quinnipiac alumni across the country was Jeanna Doherty ’94, former president of the Quinnipiac University Alumni Association. Doherty welcomed Hardin with enthusiasm and nodded to Quinnipiac’s upcoming centennial in 2029, noting the exciting time for the university. On behalf of all the former Bobcats, Doherty shared their eagerness to work with Hardin during these milestones and highlighted several things students gain from Quinnipiac — life-
TYLER MIGNAULT/CHRONICLE
President Marie Hardin addresses the crowd during her inaugural address at the 10th Presidential Inauguration on the basketball court at the M&T Bank Arena on Oct. 16.
long friendships, community and a discovery of one’s purpose. Sierra Whitfield, assistant director of legal operations and a member of the staff council executive committee, then took to the stage on behalf of Quinnipiac staff. Whitfield’s remarks reflected on commitment and support throughout the campus and the anticipation for that shared purpose with Hardin. “We’re eager to support your vision and work together to continue building a university where every member of our community feels valued, included and inspired to contribute their very best,” Whitfield said. Closing the greetings and speaking for faculty was Caitlin Hanlon, associate professor of biology and chair of the faculty senate. Hanlon shared a warm welcome to Hardin, highlighting her scholarship as well as her “capacity for listening, her interdisciplinary vision and her belief in small, steady turns” — noting a confidence regarding these aspects as she leads the university. Alexander Clark, chief executive officer of Technolutions Inc. and a member of the board of trustees, then delivered the keynote address. Clark shared his perspective on higher education, giving anecdotes both personal and professional. “The future of education is written anew,” Clark said. “We are moving away from education as a transaction and toward education as a relationship, a relationship that lasts across a lifetime. Learning no longer ends with a diploma. It becomes a companion through every reinvention of one’s self and one’s career.” In the latter half of the ceremony were two formal traditions. President Emerita Judy Olian See INAUGURATION Page 2