On October 6, 2017, for the first time in 21 years, the Neumann University community gathered to inaugurate a president. In a ceremony awash in academic regalia and medieval symbolism, Dr. Chris E. Domes accepted the presidential medallion and looked to the future, declaring that “It is our destiny as a Catholic university in the Franciscan tradition to respond to the needs of this generation with compassionate hearts. Then, in turn, we will ask our students and our alumni to respond with a compassionate heart to those they encounter in their lives.”

In an inspirational, 18-minute address, Dr. Domes called for connection and compassion. “Our students are looking for engagement and purpose,” he said. “In a time when one can find daily examples of deep-rooted anger, high levels of mistrust and division, institutions with strong purpose-driven missions are places of healing, hope, peace, and renewal.”

He acknowledged that the mission is daunting. “Our Franciscan intellectual traditional tells us that education alone does not instill care for creation, compassion for others, or a commitment to speak the truth. We must remain committed to helping our students understand the RISES values of Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. We must also show them how to integrate those values into their lives. We have to find creative ways to collaborate, to provide access for students, and we must be willing to be bold.”

He also drew a clear parallel between the chivalrous knights at the time of St. Francis, people of faith who “fight for the poor and marginalized, for the oppressed and the forgotten” and the modern Neumann Knight, who embodies Franciscan values. “Our Franciscan educational tradition teaches us that we must prepare our students to embrace the hurt, problems, and challenges of the world, and not to retreat from them.”

“I might suggest that our world needs more true Knights,” concluded Dr. Domes. “People who have an authentic belief, a passion in a mission, a fearless and faithful understanding of who they are in the world.”

More than 1,000 people filled the floor of the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development to witness the transition in leadership and welcome Dr. Domes as the university's sixth president. Among the well-wishers who spoke before the presidential address were Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Aston Commissioner Carol Graham, Pennsylvania Representative Leanne Krueger-Braneky, Pennsylvania Senator Tom Killion, and U.S. Congressman Patrick Meehan.

Fr. Dan Riley, representing Mount Irenaeus and St. Bonaventure University, delivered a rousing welcome, roaring “Are we happy?” and “This is a place of celebration!” to open his remarks. The longtime friend of Dr. Domes described him as someone who “walks the Franciscan path and shares it with others.”

Dr. Thomas Flynn, president of Alvernia University, echoed Fr. Riley, saying of Dr. Domes that “the Franciscan spirit is in his mind, heart and soul.”

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput acknowledged Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, Neumann’s president from 1996 to 2017, and Dr. Domes, recognizing the university’s steadfast belief in “human dignity and the common good.”

Representing the Neumann University Board of Trustees, Deacon Daniel DeLucca injected a note of humor into the greeting. “Neumann is now officially co-ed with our first male president,” he joked.

Delegates from more than 30 universities attended, bringing congratulations from Neumann’s sister institutions.

The investiture and presentation of the presidential medallion were conducted by Sr. Mary Kathryn Dougherty, OSF, congregational minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; James D. Delaney, chairperson of the University Board of Trustees; Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, Neumann president emeritus; and Mrs. Mary G. Domes.

The inauguration ceremony concluded a busy week of campus activities to celebrate the university milestone, including receptions for resident students and commuters, a Theology on Tap discussion with Dr. and Mrs. Domes, numerous service activities, a Eucharistic Liturgy, and the Rocco A.’79 and Mary F. Abessinio Endowed Lecture in Management and Entrepreneurship.