Community Celebrates Presidential Inauguration

Friday morning, October 15, began with a breakfast for the president, by special-invitation only, held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, the location for the official ceremony. Soon after the breakfast was the Inauguration Ceremony. The formal ceremony was the main event where President Taylor was officially inaugurated as the ninth president of Vanguard. The Inauguration Ceremony included a procession of delegates. Various music groups performed, including the concert orchestra and concert choir. Once the president was officially inaugurated, she gave a speech  about her past, why she loves Vanguard, and how thankful she is that God brought her here.

“I am humbled and honored to serve Vanguard. I’m very excited to celebrate Vanguard and introduce VU to the many delegates and guests who may not know how incredible the Vanguard community of students, faculty and staff are,” Taylor said.

After the ceremony, a luncheon was held on campus for all the attendees of the inauguration. The celebration events for President Carol Taylor’s inauguration began on October 14 with the inauguration dinner, held at the NMC courtyard, for select guests. Following the dinner was the Pre-Inauguration Student Party with the President, held at the campus mall. This was a student-driven event planned by senior Heather Hernandez run by ASB, all students were invited to in order to celebrate the inauguration along with the University board and the President.  The campus mall was set up with wedding-like tables and decorations. Junior Bethany Cushing and sophomore Jessica Newton were in attendance.

“This event is beautiful, elegant, and a great idea. I’m glad we had the opportunity to honor Carol Taylor in this way!” Cushing said.

The desserts included a chocolate fondue fountain with a variety of fruits and goodies to go with it, along with a choice of hot cocoa or mocha chino. “My favorite part is the fact that President Taylor’s face is on the M & Ms!” Newton said.

The jazz band played a number of songs, after which was a time of questions and answers between David Vasquez and Taylor. Taylor waited a year and a half before being inaugurated.

“Our school was in crisis and we needed to stay focused first on getting the school off sanction.  I had three prayers last year as we continued to stay focused and work hard. That we would have the sanction of probation removed in one year, That we would have a strong enrollment, and that we’d be able to restore a salary cut.  Miraculously, all three were accomplished and we are now ready to celebrate and keep moving forward,” Taylor said.

Tayor feels positively about her responsibility.

“[I love] this community that we call Vanguard. A community of Christ followers, a community of learners, a community with a global reach, and a community with a home at 55 Fair Drive,” Taylor said.