MOON TOWNSHIP – On Friday, Robert Morris University held the inauguration of the ninth President Dr. Michelle Patrick.

After spending six years as the dean of the Robert Morris School of Business and then as the interim President of the university, Patrick was named the next President of Robert Morris on July 6. Friday’s ceremony officially swore her in as the next President of Robert Morris University.

During her Inauguration speech, Patrick addressed the audience by stating that today is not about her but rather it is about the university’s future and the student’s future.

She also wanted the faculty and staff to know that she would be there for them and would be with them every step of the way.

The ceremony Friday afternoon celebrated the accomplishments of the President. It also gave the President the chance to speak to the students, faculty, staff, and delegates from around the country, as well as alumni, to usher in a new era at Robert Morris.

Class presidents from the class of 2023, 2024, and 2025, welcomed patrons in attendance to officially kick off the ceremony.

Speakers throughout the ceremony resonated with the audience speaking on how President Patrick’s drive and work ethic will continue to push Robert Morris to a brighter future.

Alumni such as Ryan Recker spoke on President Patrick’s journey from her time as the Dean of the School of Business. He discussed how the effort that she put into her school during her time as Dean will translate into a larger scale when it comes to running the university.

Along with the speeches from alumni, videos played throughout the event that described President Patrick not just as the person in charge of running the university; the videos also showcased how the President is as a person and the excitement that the students, faculty, and staff have as President Patrick begins her presidency.

Morgan O’Brien, the Robert Morris chair of the board of trustees to say a few words about the new President expressing that she is the right person to lead the university to bigger and better things.

Black Student Union leaders Chyenne Rhone and Spencer Jackson then read a note from the United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. The note echoed the sentiments of the previous speakers wishing her the best of luck as she enters into her new role.

Then, after a performance by the theater students, it was then time for the Investiture of the President which was led by O’Brien as he presented her with the seal of the university – officially making her the President of Robert Morris University.

After the President was finished with her inaugural address, President Patrick announced a historic 18 million dollar gift from the Rockwell family for the Robert Morris School of Business to rename the school the Robert Morris Rockell School of Business.

Effective immediately the founding academic school the founding school will be named the Rockwell School of Business.

Patrick ended the ceremony by leaving the audience with advice heading into the future, “Your dreams will always become a reality so don’t ever stop believing.”

The inauguration ceremony was followed by a reception where everyone in attendance at the ceremony was invited to the alumni gazebo to enjoy food, drinks, and live music.