The Retort

Chancellor Groseth’s Inauguration

October 7th, 2011 by Patricia Hampton Of The Retort Staff

Dr. Rolf Groseth was officially inaugurated as Montana State University Billings’ second Chancellor on Tuesday, September 20 at 10:10 am in Petro Theatre.

The Inauguration ceremony began with the processional. The MSU Billings Symphonic Band played “March for Military Band” by Gustav Holst during the entrance of the Ivy Guard, young women nominated by MSU Billings faculty for their academics and character serving as an honor guard. Generally making their appearance once a year at the spring Commencement ceremonies, this was the first time that the Ivy Guard was given the opportunity to participate in an Inauguration.

Following the Ivy Guard, MSU Billings deans and faculty entered the auditorium to fill the seats reserved for them at the front of the theatre. The platform party, including Montana Board of Regents’ Mr. Todd Buchanan, ASMSUB Student Body President James Catlin, Montana State University President Dr. Waded Cruzado, and Chancellor Rolf Groseth himself, then proceeded to take their places on the stage.

The audience remained standing for the Presentation of the Colors by the MSU Billings ROTC, “The National Anthem” played and sung by MSU Billings Band and Chorale respectively, and Reverend Kim Woeste’s Invocation.

President Cruzado took a moment to introduce members of the platform party who would not be speaking at the ceremony, and introduced each speaker as they came forward with “Greetings to the Chancellor.” These greetings came from numerous distinguished guests, including the President of Chief Dull Knife College, Dr. Richard Little Bear; Billings Mayor Tom Hanel; Staff Senate Chair Amber Poynter; and Chair of the MSU Billings Foundation Board of Trustees, Joel Guthals.

The speeches ranged from respectful appreciation for Groseth’s relationship with Chief Dull Knife College from Dr. Little Bear, to the humorous speech of ASMSUB President James Catlin, who expressed appreciation for Groseth’s approachability and cooperation with student groups on campus and encouraged those in attendance to join Dr. Groseth at the luncheon afterward to enjoy the food, company, and interpretive dance of Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, MSU Billings Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Dr. Klippenstein did not perform an interpretive dance at the reception luncheon.

Following a short interlude with the MSU Billings Men’s Quartet performance “Amazing Grace,” Dr. Cruzado continued the ceremony with the Presentation and Investiture. Chancellor Groseth and his wife, Jaynee Drange Groseth, joined Dr. Cruzado at the forefront of the stage, and Groseth took his oath of office.

Chancellor Groseth began his Inaugural Address with the words, “Breathe in, breathe out.” The speech that followed expressed Groseth’s sincere appreciation for his position, and the tasks ahead, leading the MSU Billings community into the future. His speech described the road that he has traveled over the years that led him to be the Chancellor of the University, and expressed hope for MSU Billings. As he looks to the future, Groseth looks forward to expanding the university, from the availability of residence hall facilities, to increasing the diversity and number of students enrolled at the university.

At the close of the ceremony, the platform party led the recessional, followed by the faculty and the Ivy Guard. The reception that followed was held on campus, south of McMullen Hall, and catered by Sodexho, the campus dining service.