MOORHEAD – Colin Irvine was inaugurated as president of the college on Sunday, Oct. 15. Woven in worship and joined by various alumni, staff and students in the ceremony, President Irvine is marked as the 12 president of Concordia.
Irvine had experience serving as the executive vice president and provost at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota before his transition to Concordia. He succeeded William Craft, who retired this past spring after 12 years at the school.
The ceremony started out with an opening call to worship and prayers. The event was accompanied by the college’s band and choir students as they led hymns and songs.
Irvine and his wife, Kelly Irvine, had two kids who attended the inauguration, Cal Irvine and Caroline Irvine. Following the opening prayer from Deacon Jon Leiseth, they gave scripture readings for the event.
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” Cal Irvine stated as he read from Colossians 3:12-16
Caroline Irvine, read at the event as well. She recited Isaiah 43:1-5.
“When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you. Your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through the fire… you will not be burned,” Caroline Irvine said. “…Because I love you and give you honor.”
Mary Ranum, Chair of Concordia’s Board of Regents, led the installation of the event alongside the Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth and the Rev. William Tesch.
“You are to be an example of faith, active in love, fostering peace, harmony, and mutual understanding at this college,” Leiseth said. “Will you commit yourself to this new trust and responsibility in confidence that it comes from God…?”
Irvine was asked to commit himself to the trust and responsibility of the vows during the installation. He accepted, and was thus declared the official, inaugurated president of Concordia College.
Following the installation, there was a litany of commitment where members of the assembly stood and spoke.
Spokespeople that represented groups of Concordia such as students, faculty, alumni and more were able to share their gratitudes and discuss the visions of the future of Concordia.
“I have never been more excited for the future of Concordia College than I am with Colin and Kelly leading us,” former member of Concordia’s Board of Regents, the Rev. John Quello, said. Quello discussed the gratefulness alumni had for what they received from Concordia and their commitment to sharing their education and daily work in surrounding communities.
Irvine was awarded with symbolic gifts from various Concordia students; Tairiq Booker representing the college’s athletics, Genesia Weekes representing music and the arts and Greta Almlie representing academics.
For the inaugural address, Irvine focused on the importance and power of momentum. He also discussed his own personal memories and lessons from his mother and the lessons he’s learned from Concordia’s origins.
“I believe, above all else, that our future is brighter than ever,” Irvine said.
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