Hartwick Celebrates Tradition, Future at Presidential Inauguration
By JOSHUA YOUNGQUIST
ONEONTA
More than 1,300 students, faculty, alumni, trustees, family members and community supporters gathered at Hartwick College during True Blue Weekend, September 25-27, to celebrate the inauguration of the college’s 13th president, Laurel Bongiorno, in what college leaders described as both a recognition of new leadership and a celebration of the institution itself.
Rather than hosting a standalone inauguration ceremony, Hartwick intentionally incorporated the occasion into its annual True Blue Weekend festivities, a decision Bongiorno said reflected the college’s strong sense of community.
“We intentionally made the inauguration part of our True Blue Weekend, rather than a stand-alone event,” Bongiorno said. “Over the course of the weekend, about 1,300 people took part in events and activities across campus as students, faculty, and staff welcomed alumni, families, trustees, and community members to Hartwick.”
The celebration featured many elements of a traditional academic inauguration, including a formal procession and delegates representing nearly 30 colleges and universities. At the same time, organizers ensured the event reflected Hartwick’s unique identity, with students and faculty providing musical performances and local leaders joining the festivities.
Among those participating were Alberto Cardelle, president of SUNY Oneonta, and Dan Buttermann, mayor of Oneonta, underscoring the strong relationship between the college and the broader community.
“The tone was celebratory, welcoming and forward-looking,” Bongiorno said. “It was an important moment for the college and for me personally.”
Students played a central role throughout the weekend, welcoming guests, distributing programs, performing during events, and helping showcase campus life to alumni and visitors returning to Hartwick.
“Our students had meaningful roles throughout the weekend,” Bongiorno said. “I was so very proud of our students. They represented Hartwick with warmth and enthusiasm, whether they were performing, competing, welcoming visitors or simply attending some of our events and activities.”
For Bongiorno, the inauguration represented more than a ceremonial transition. She viewed it as an opportunity to celebrate Hartwick’s history while setting a course for its future.
“An inauguration recognizes a new president, but it is also an opportunity for a college to think about what comes next,” she said. “We wanted the ceremony and the weekend to reflect both and we accomplished that.”
In her inaugural message, Bongiorno emphasized the momentum the college has built in recent years and expressed confidence in Hartwick’s future. She pointed to several notable accomplishments, including a transformative $10 million gift from Brent R. Nicklas, which resulted in the naming of the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing, as well as the successful completion of the college’s “Together, We Soar” fundraising campaign, which surpassed its original goal by raising $66.5 million.
“We have tangible reasons for that confidence,” Bongiorno said. “Earlier this year, Hartwick received a $10 million gift from Brent R. Nicklas and named the Brent R. Nicklas School of Nursing in his honor.”
She also highlighted the institution’s growing academic opportunities, including new graduate programs and Hartwick’s first MBA program, which she said demonstrate the college’s commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
“My message was that Hartwick has a strong foundation, and we have tremendous opportunity ahead of us,” Bongiorno said. “I am excited about where we can go together.”
As she begins her presidency, Bongiorno said her priorities include increasing enrollment, improving student retention, strengthening philanthropy, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and continuing to enhance the student experience.
“A great deal of work is already underway at the college,” she said. “My focus this year is to move that work forward, build on our strengths, and identify new opportunities that will benefit our students and position Hartwick well for the future.”
Looking back on the weekend, Bongiorno said one of the most meaningful aspects of the ceremony was being surrounded by family, friends, and members of the Hartwick community who helped shape her personal and professional journey.
“Looking out during the inauguration and seeing so many people who have been important to me throughout my life was something I will always remember,” Bongiorno said. “To have all of them there for that moment was incredibly meaningful.”
As Hartwick enters a new chapter under its 13th president, the inauguration served as both a celebration of the college’s traditions and a statement of optimism about where the institution is headed next.
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