Fontbonne University conducted an Investiture Ceremony for its 14th president, J. Michael (Mike) Pressimone, Ed.D., Friday, November 14, 2014, at the campus’ Dunham Student Activity Center. The celebration featured all the pomp and circumstance befitting such a momentous occasion.

The university began the program with a posting of Academic Banners and a procession involving Fontbonne’s faculty, representatives from the community, and delegates from several institutions of higher education and other organizations. All wore academic dress from their respective colleges or universities.

The following schools and organizations sent delegates to the installation: Alpha Lambda Delta, Missouri College Fund, Phi Kappa Phi, Mount St. Mary’s University, Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, Saint Louis University, Lindenwood University, McKendree University, University of Notre Dame, College of the Holy Cross, MacMurray College, University of Minnesota, Westminster College, Washington University, Saint John’s University, Benedictine College, Chatham University, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, The Ohio State University, Maryville University, St. Ambrose University, University of St. Thomas, St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, St. Michael’s College, St. Catherine’s University, Rockhurst University, Webster University, Avila University, Mount Mercy University, Aquinas Institute of Theology, Cabrini College, Alvernia University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Missouri Baptist University.

After a multi-faith invocation, these community leaders conveyed their greetings: Harold J. Sanger, Mayor of Clayton, Michael P. McMillan, President, Urban League, Gary Krosch, Chair, Board of Trustees, Karen Gedera, Chair, Board of Regents, Joan Falk, Chair, Fontbonne Community Connection, Christina Anderson, President, Fontbonne Alumni Association, Danielle Ader, President, Student Government Association, Mary Asaro, President, Fontbonne Staff Association, and Elizabeth Rayhel, Chair, Faculty Affairs Committee.

Linda Straub, CSJ, then called Dr. Pressimone to service, and his wife Catherine officially introduced him. Gary Krosch, trustee chair, presented Dr. Pressimone with the Presidential Medallion, bearing an image of the sculpture “The Founding Spirit” by Rudoph Torrini, a previous chairperson of the Fontbonne Department of Art. The image is superimposed on a sunburst design with a circular inscription relating “Founding Spirit, Inspired Future” and “Fontbonne University”. The verso of the medallion commemorates the inauguration of Dr. J. Michael Pressimone as the fourteenth president of Fontbonne University.

The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis, gave a Special Blessing before Dr. Pressimone took the podium for his inaugural address. He reflected on Fontbonne’s past and most recent achievements under his predecessor, Dr. Dennis Golden, and joyously remarked that the university is established for an unlimited future. The event concluded with Fontbonne’s Alma Mater, performed by the Saint Louis Archdiocesan Handbell Choir and Peace Brass Choir, recessional and postlude. Three inaugural receptions featuring faculty exhibits occurred afterwards around the campus.

The Board of Trustees selected J. Michael (Mike) Pressimone Ed.D., president of Fontbonne University on February 1, 2014, and he assumed his new position on July 1.

Before coming to Fontbonne, Dr. Pressimone’s higher education career spanned more than three decades. Immediately before taking office, he served as vice president of advancement at Alvernia University in Reading, PA, where he oversaw fundraising and alumni activities. He had responsibility for the design, implementation, and completion of a $27 million campaign, the largest in Alvernia’s history, actually reaching $31.6 million. Prior to Alvernia, Dr. Pressimone served as the vice president for institutional advancement at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, NC, and Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, PA. He was involved actively in professional organizations and a founding member and officer of the Susquehanna Valley (PA) Planned Giving Council.

Dr. Pressimone and his wife Cathy have participated in several parish activities, including sacramental instruction, Eucharistic ministry, RCIA, and marriage mentoring and training. They have been married 32 years and are blessed with 12 children and one grandchild.

Dr. Pressimone holds an Associate of Arts degree from Catonsville Community College (now known as the Community College of Baltimore County), a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Catholic University of America, a Master of Arts in Leadership in Higher Education from Regis University, and a doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.