Laurie M. Hamen, J.D., will be inaugurated as Mount Mercy University’s ninth president on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014. The 2 p.m. installation ceremony will be held in the Hennessey Recreation Center gymnasium on Mount Mercy’s campus.
Prior to arriving at Mount Mercy, Hamen was vice president for enrollment management, athletics, and student affairs at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois for nearly 18 years. Hamen’s experience includes positions in Catholic higher education at the College of St. Benedict in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, and at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, in addition to serving at public institutions.
Inauguration events will begin with a blessing and Mass in the Chapel of Mercy at 10:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon at 11:45 leading into the ceremony.
“President Hamen has been doing a marvelous job since assuming the presidency in early February,” said Board of Trustees Chair Brandt Worley. “She leads with the same spark of courage and faith as the founders of the University, the Sisters of Mercy.”
Mount Mercy faculty, staff, students and trustees, as well as representatives from the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Sisters of Mercy, and many local community leaders will take part in the ceremony. Calls to Service will be offered by Dr. Les Garner, Jr., president and CEO, The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation; Ben Nelson, president, Student Government Association; Marcel Kielkucki '02, president, Alumni Association; Colette Atkins, assistant provost; Jader Perez '14, facilities staff; Dr. Ronald Feldt, professor of psychology and chair; Sister Laura Reicks '78, president, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community.
A celebration will occur on the Rohde Family Plaza outside the Sisters of Mercy University Center immediately following the installation ceremony. The public is welcome at all events.
More information on inauguration events is available at www.mtmercy.edu/inauguration.