Presidents, elephants, and inaugurations: The inauguration of Dr Belinda S. Miles

Abstract

In 2015, Westchester Community College in Westchester County, New York welcomed its first new president in more than four decades. In order to introduce Dr Belinda S. Miles as the new leader of the institution, the college sought to greet her through a series of events approximately nine months after she took on the mantle of Westchester County’s largest college. With approximately 13,000 credit students and another 13,000 non-credit students, this State University of New York institution plays an important role in the region’s economy. Preparing events suitable for welcoming the new leader of this well respected college required advance planning and extensive resources. Although the college has a special events coordinator on staff (she is employed by the college’s Foundation) and considerable experience in the planning of special events, this undertaking would be more extensive than previous events and celebrations.