Colby College in Waterville has inaugurated a former University of Chicago administrator to serve as its 20th president.
David Greene delivered his first public address as president of the liberal arts college at a ceremony on
Saturday.
"This college is now in its 202nd year and it has survived through trying moments, " Greene said in his installation address. "and it has ultimately thrived as one of the world's great centers for learning, because so many have contributed to its progress."
Greene thanked his predecessors and spoke of his own place at the college.
"Those of us here will author only a short chapter in this important history. We must use our time to lift Colby even higher." he said.
Greene also emphasized the importance of the college's centuries-old partnership with its host city.
"The ingredients are here for a renaissance of this proud city," he said of Waterville, "and Colby College should partner with and support local leaders to accelerate the pace of improvements and stimulate economic growth and prosperity."
Waterville Mayor Karen Heck, Colby College class of '74, said she was delighted with Greene's visions for Waterville. "and for his enthusiastic commitment to continue Colby's efforts to make Waterville the place in Maine to come for academic excellence and a quality of life that can't be beat."
Greene presented honorary doctorates to four recipients, including U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins. Also, advisor to presidents Clinton and Obama David M. Axelrod, Harvard professor and MacArthur Fellow Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, and University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer
Greene takes over the top spot from William Adams, during whose 14 year tenure the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement was established.
