MMC Celebrates Fall!

October was an eventful month at Marymount Manhattan College. We officially welcomed our eighth president, Kerry Walk, Ph.D., at an inauguration ceremony at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Friday, October 23. The inauguration celebration was part of the 2015 Family, Friends, and Alumni Homecoming Weekend. After the ceremony, the celebration was only getting started. Read on for a look back at what was happening around campus!

The inauguration of Kerry Walk, Ph.D., took place on October 23 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium. It was an exciting and uplifting morning filled with special guests and riveting performances. The ceremony began with a performance of America the Beautiful by Marymount Manhattan College Musical Theatre Students. After an invocation from Rabbi Philip Hiat, guests were treated to a performance of “For Good” from Wicked by Marymount Manhattan’s very own Annaleigh Ashford ’05. The ceremony also included a performance by the Marymount Manhattan College Dance Company to “My Spirit Be Joyful” from Bach’s Cantata No. 146.

Greeting and remarks were given by special guests Merryl H. Tisch, Ph.D., Chancellor, New York State Board of Regents; Assembly Member, Rebecca A. Seawright; Marcia V. Keizs, Ed.D., President of York College, The City University of New York; and Daniel R. Garodnick, New York City Council Member.

The Presentation of the Insignia of Office followed with the passing of the President’s Medal—represented by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees from the MMC community. Hope Knight ’85, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees officially installed President Walk as the eighth President of Marymount Manhattan College by presenting her with the President’s Medal. President Walk then went on to deliver a moving speech, “Light and Liberty.”

The ceremony closed with a captivating performance of The Alma Mater Hail Marymount Manhattan performed by Antoinette Henry ’10, Steven Michael Mooney ’10, Madelyn Baillio ’17, Austin D. Ryan ’16, and Nicolette Shin-Serrano ’17.

The inauguration celebration continued back on campus with a Community Reception. Other events included the HEOP Reception and the first of many Homecoming events including MMC’s Got Talent and the Homecoming Dance!

Throughout the weekend, the community enjoyed numerous activities and events including the annual flag football game, Frick Collection Museum Tour & Bubbly Brunch, performances of 15-Minute Hamlet & A Chorus Line, the showcase “Create, Play, Innovate: Demos in the Communication & Media Arts Wing,” and the Dean’s List Ceremony.

On Wednesday, October 28, renowned artist Carrie Mae Weems delivered the 2015 Rudin Lecture, “Constructing History: An Artist Explores the Context of Her Work,” in the Theresa Lang Theatre. Considered one of the most influential contemporary American artists, Weems has investigated family relationships, cultural identity, sexism, class, political systems and the consequences of power.