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Presidential Investiture a Ceremony to be Remembered

LEWISTON - LCSC President Dene Thomas’ investiture, held on the Campus Quad on the morning of August 22, went exactly according to plan. The investiture ceremony, long awaited, was intended by Thomas as a time for all LCSC supporters to enjoy the campus and each other, to recommit to building the best small public college possible and to remember the power of hope. Indications are that it succeeded.

Approximately 600 guests gathered to enjoy a beautiful day and a diverse and entertaining program honoring Thomas and formally inaugurating her as the college’s 14th and first woman president.

There was plenty to please the senses: Visually pleasing were the presentation of the colors by the ROTC Joint Military Guard and the rows and rows of guests seated beneath trees on the vibrant green lawn.

For the ears, there was also much to enjoy: Reflecting Thomas’ musical background, a variety of instrumentals and vocals were heard throughout the ceremony.

The LCSC Saxophone Quartet performed backdrop music as people gathered and visited. The Border Highlander Bagpipers played during the Processional and The Idaho-Washington Concert Chorale’s performances included the National Anthem and two songs with lyrics speaking of the power and possibility of tomorrow.

Not in any way outdone, the sounds of the rushing stream that is part of the Lewis and Clark Centennial Mall sculpture filled in the spaces between musical offerings.

Greetings to the president came from representatives of all factions within the college and Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Speaking for the Idaho Institutions of Higher Education was Dr. Robert Hoover, University of Idaho President. His words indicated how clearly proud he is of Thomas, who got her start in college administration as an Associate Dean of the College of Letters and Science and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the UI.

Special inaugural readings were offered by three acquaintances of Dr. Thomas—words with the power to move people as well as applaud her achievements. Tina Foriyes of Moscow, Idaho read a poem she wrote especially for Thomas on the occasion of her investiture. Entitled “First Women,” the piece artfully compared the journeys of Sacajawea, who led Lewis and Clark to the area 200 years ago, and that of Dr. Thomas, first woman president of the college named for the famous expedition. Colleague and LCSC faculty member, Dr. William Johnson offered prose that reflected the new president’s journey as well, and close friend, Reverend Armand Larive offered closing remarks.

The message the new president chose to offer on this fine day focused on hope, promise and the power of forward momentum. Despite the hard economic times facing higher education institutions in the State of Idaho, Dene Thomas said she strongly believes that LCSC has a bright future and that people pulling together can weather the difficulties and come out on top. In that spirit, she announced the creation of the new Investiture Scholarship Fund, conceived by her and designed to help needy and deserving students access education.

Following the ceremony, Thomas joined family, friends and invited guests for a luncheon in the Williams Conference Center. Returning faculty and staff were also treated to a welcome-back lunch, followed by an all campus meeting in the afternoon.

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