1,000 APPLAUD AT INAUGURAL

Diverse Themes

Welcome Morris

To SUNY-O Helm

SUNY Oneonta’s newly minted eighth president, Barbara Jean Morris, top photo, leads the recessional from the Dewar Arena’s platform shortly before 1 p.m. this afternoon after a two-hour ceremony that included an invocation by Mohawk spiritual leader Thomas Porter (behind Morris),  and student performances by the college’s XClusive Dance Crew; and Gota, a traditional Ghanaian dance, and Luk Luk Lumbu, a Javanese dance, accompanied by the college’s World Chorus.   Next to the new president, who assumed her responsibilities on July 1, 2018, is SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, who conducted the official inauguration. In her inaugural address, Dr. Morris, who was raised in the San Diego area and was a college administrator in Colorado, recognized her mother, inset photo, whom she credited with helping her through through early challenges as a single parent of three children, who also stood and were recognized by the 1,000 attendees in the Alumni Field House.  (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)