The Inauguration of Laurie Bernotsky, DPHIL

COVER STORY

THE INAUGURATION
of WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY’S 16TH PRESIDENT, LAURIE BERNOTSKY, DPHIL

MARCH 28 MARKED A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION ON THE WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS WITH THE INAUGURATION OF THE UNIVERSITY’S 16TH PRESIDENT, DR. LAURIE BERNOTSKY.

The inauguration took place in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, which was filled to its 1,200-seat capacity for the event. Delegates in the platform party included Chair of the Board of the Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Dr. Cynthia Shapira, PASSHE Chancellor Dr. Chris Fiorentino, presidents from the PASSHE schools and other universities, trustees from other institutions of higher education, WCU Council of Trustees members, elected officials, members of the WCU community, and alumni.

Dr. Shapira administered the presidential oath of office to Dr. Bernotsky. R. Thomas (Tommy) Tomlinson ’70, chair of WCU’s Council of Trustees, then presented President Bernotsky with the chain of office and the mace, symbols of the office of the West Chester University president. The University’s chain of office consists of twelve arched frames, each with one of the scenes representing the academic disciplines used on the mace. The chain supports a medallion that carries the engraved seal of the University. Both the mace and the chain of office were designed and made by internationally known silversmith Kurt Matzdorf. They are gifts from the West Chester University Alumni Association.

Dr. Bernotsky’s inauguration speech appeared in the previous issue of the magazine, which is available online.

Watch the recording of the inauguration ceremony here.

The University’s inaugural Convocation ceremony will take place on August 24, 2025, in Hollinger Fieldhouse.

Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler, WCU’s first woman president, and COT member Chris Franklin ’87 (L)

Land acknowledgement by Barry Lee

Dr. Bernotsky and COT member Chris Franklin ’87 (L) with student leadership (L-R) Matheeha Majeeth, McKenna Nugent, and Chris Needham.

Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler listening to Dr. Bernotsky

(L-R) Former WCU presidents Dr. Madeleine Wing Adler and PASSHE Chancellor Dr. Chris Fiorentino with Dr. Laurie Bernotsky and Chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors Dr. Cindy Shapira.

Dr. Bernotsky and WCU vice presidents (L-R front row): Dr. Zeb Davenport, Dr. Bernotsky, Dr. Jeff Osgood, (L-R back row) Todd Murphy, Dr. Jazz Buxton, Andy Lehman, Dr. Tracey Robinson.

Dr. Bernotsky with Kathy Pape, PennWest Council of Trustees Chair, and Dr. Mario Majcen, Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculties, PennWest University California Chapter President

Dr. Bernotsky and COT members (L-R front row): Susan Yoder Schick ’88, Vice Chair; Betty Silfa; Carolyn Comitta ’74; Marian Moskowitz, Secretary (L-R back row) Jonathan Ireland ’95, M’03; Robert M. Tomlinson ’70, Chair; Christopher Franklin ’87; Chris Needham (Student); The Honorable Barry Dozor ’71

Dr. Bernotsky and elected officials (L-R front row) Beth Connor (Constituent Advocate, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick’s office), U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan, State Senator Carolyn Comitta ’74, Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz (L-R back row) Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste ’73, Dr. Kate Shaw (U.S. Department of Education/Governor’s Office), State Representative Chris Pielli, State Representative Tim Briggs