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Both days of Owls Fest were marked by sunny skies and mild temperatures, perfect for campus tours, evening s’mores, and festivities galore.

Friday’s highlights included tours of the campus architecture and landscaping; the chance to meet and hear from faculty members by visiting classes, attending special talks, and mingling during open houses; and several events highlighting available student services and support. After dinner in the dining halls, visitors wrapped up Friday night with s’mores in front of Canaday Library.

Saturday’s main attraction was the inauguration of Wendy Cadge as ������̳’s 10^th president, which started with a procession from Old Library that included invited guests, trustees, representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities, faculty, staff, and alumnae from classes going back to 1952.

Joining Cadge on stage were three of ������̳'s four former presidents, Board Chair Cynthia Archer '75, the presidents of Haverford and Swarthmore colleges, several other sitting presidents, ������̳ faculty members, and other guest speakers.

"This is a joyful moment for us here today to express our confidence in Wendy’s leadership of ������̳," said Archer in her welcoming remarks. "We know we have welcomed into our community a brilliant and entrepreneurial scholar, an award-winning teacher and an accomplished leader and colleague."  

Associate Professor and Chair of Mathematics Erica Graham '04 introduced Cadge.

"When I first met President Cadge in person, it was under a shroud of secrecy in an undisclosed location that I have sworn never to reveal," said Graham. "During that very animated conversation, I observed someone who was eager to understand the multifaceted nature of ������̳ and someone who could and would simultaneously see, hear, value, question, reflect, engage, and ignite imagination. Simply put, I witnessed vision at work...It is my honor and privilege to introduce ������̳’s 10th president, Wendy Cadge."

Thunderous applause greeted Cadge as she stepped up to the podium.

"We are here today to celebrate ������̳. We are here for the light," said Cadge to open her remarks, a theme she came back to throughout her speech.

"We are here because of what I believe is the college’s core, its DNA, out of which the next chapter grows. It isn’t about the owls or the presidents (older or newer) or even about the lanterns. ������̳ is very clear about what is central for us; the light. Across generations, we embody the pursuit of knowledge and the power of ideas to light and change the world."

Cadge turned again to the theme as she announced the creation of a new position in 2025 that is 100% focused on sustainability at the college as it looks for greener ways to light, heat, and power the campus.

"I am here and grateful for the entire ������̳ community, in whose legacy we stand and whose next chapter we are writing collectively," she said in closing. "I am here and grateful for the light…for when we bring our lights together, we are - and will continue - to be dazzling."

The festivities continued with a community block party with food, games, and a host of activities. Other events during the day on Saturday included tours of the campus and the opportunity to cheer on several of ������̳'s athletic teams.

For alums visiting campus, the afternoon ended with a reception honoring the recipients of the 2024-2025 Alumnae/i Awards, who were honored for their volunteer service and dedication to the College. Barbara Janney Trimble '60 received the Lifetime of Service Award, Sharon Harshbarger Kucera '90 and Lori A. Perine '80 received Distinguished Service Awards, and Sumaya Abdurrezak '05 and Zoe Kathryn Fisher '15 received Young Alum Service Awards.

Among those visiting campus for the weekend were Juanita Hendriks ’91 and Michael Barnes (HC '90), who were visiting their daughter Aleydis Barnes ’27.

“Every time you come back to campus you end up having in-depth conversations, sharing your curiosities and passions,” Hendriks said. “It’s a place you can bring your whole self to. The unexpected highlight was the meaningful experience of attending the Inauguration. Just terrific. From all the speeches and accolades, I don't think we'll ever be able to let Wendy Cadge leave!”

“It really reminded me of why I’m at ������̳,” added Barnes about the ceremony. “You hear how sincere all of the professors, staff, and other members of the ������̳ community are about building a better future.”