THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION OF STACEY ROBERTSON

Since Stacey Robertson is Widener's 11th President, her inauguration represents a significant turning point in Widener’s 200-year history. Widener will hold a number of events to celebrate with the campus and the local community in order to celebrate this occasion.
Widener is incredibly lucky to have a President like Stacey. She was a history professor who worked in the classroom for 20 years while also conducting research on women's history and the antislavery movement. She was ultimately offered the position of interim dean, which inspired her to pursue a career in leadership. Her objective was to "contribute to educational success stories." She was eventually offered the position of Dean. These two roles allowed her to develop and learn all of the duties associated with the position. She felt prepared for the role of President when it was offered to her. Widener was appealing because of the people and community; it had the best community of any college she had attended, making it a fantastic fit for her. When asked about Widener, Stacey said that she knew that there was a good ground to build on as Widener is very forward-thinking, speaks to the future, and has student success as a foundation. President Robertson cares deeply about the students and the community here at Widener, when asked about her favorite memory, she was unable to pick just a few, and instead said any memory that involved getting to interact with the students on campus and connect with the surrounding area.
Inauguration week is a week for Widener to celebrate and come together in a meaningful way to welcome the new beginning with a new president. Every day there is a multitude of different events. Monday there is an ice cream social and an alumni awards ceremony; Tuesday there is Breakfast Reception and a neighborhood Clean-Up; Wednesday is a tour of Widener, a taste of Chester, and a history panel; and finally, Thursday is the inauguration ceremony and a celebration ceremony after. This week is a celebration in honor of Dr. Robertson, but every event represents a part of her. The history panel is to show her love and her work within the history field, the walking tours are because her first event on campus was a tour that stuck with her, and the inauguration ceremony is extra special as her entire family is able to come out to be there for her along with friends speaking during the ceremony.
“For me, belonging is the natural next step for our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” The Week of Belonging is a part of the Innuaguration to celebrate everyone on
campus. The goal is to create a community where there is no sense of outsiderness, where everyone is on the same team and a part of the same community. Everyone should feel safe, welcome, and valued. The Week of Belonging takes place from April 3rd to April 7th, and there is a multitude of events every day.