‘The perfect place for me’: President-elect Bergeron addresses College community

During her first formal introduction to Connecticut College, President-elect Katherine Bergeron captured the essence of the community, eloquently described the essential mission of the liberal arts and outlined her vision for the future of the College.

Bergeron, who will take office Jan. 1, 2014, following the retirement of President Leo I. Higdon Jr., said that during the search process, she quickly realized Connecticut College was “the perfect place for me.”

“Mixed with the intensity of the conversation, there was also a sense of freedom and fun, a kind of generosity of intellect and spirit that I quickly realized was characteristic of this community,” she said.

Since her selection by the College’s Board of Trustees in August, Bergeron says she has heard countless “stories of a transformative education, of world-class faculty committed to teaching, of creative students committed to changing the world, of staff members committed to excellence and of a community committed to the power of connective thinking and shared governance.”

Stanton Ching, a professor of chemistry and member of the Presidential Search Committee, said Bergeron is an excellent choice for the next leader of Connecticut College.

“She is creative and analytical,” he said. “As a scientist, I can say that is a really strong one-two punch.”

Pamela D. Zilly ’75, chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Presidential Search Committee, described Bergeron as an “imaginative and inspiring presence.”

“She embodies the infinite possibilities of a liberal arts education,” Zilly said.

Other speakers at the introduction event in Palmer Auditorium included Higdon and Erica Lovett, a senior history major who was a member of the Presidential Search Committee. The event was followed by a reception in Castle Court where Bergeron had the opportunity to chat with students, faculty and staff.

Later that evening, Bergeron met with the Student Government Association, offering a brief address and answering student questions.


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September 20, 2013