Columbia College formally inducted their new president today in a ceremony conducted in the Southwell Complex on campus.
Although Columbia College officially inducted Dalrymple today, he began his position as the 17th president in May. Dalrymple formerly served as the dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Excelsior College in Albany, New York.
The ceremony included a speech by André Vacroux, a coworker of Dalrymple at Excelsior College and an acceptance speech from Dalrymple. In his speech, Dalrymple addressed the college's need to innovate and adapt to today's changing society and economy.
"The challenge for all Liberal Arts Colleges is to find meaningful ways to connect the liberal arts with the practical needs of today's economy. We should never forget our liberal arts heritage but we need to find ways to connect that heritage to the present day, to make it relevant," Dalrymple said.
Preceding Dalrymple's speech, the Board of Trustee's held a brief ceremony awarding him the college mace, charter, and presidential medallion.
Dalrymple has already been commended for his effort to connect with students on campus.
"He is seen everywhere. He's out with the students. He really wants to be a part of the division of the college whether it's faculty, staff, or student," director of event protocol and design Sallie Coley said.
To further connect with students, Dalrymple will play a student in a video game competition on October 17. Students will play in a bracket system with the winner playing Dalrymple. If Dalrymple loses, he will pay for the student's books for an entire year.
