Dr. John F. Dolan Inaugurated as Elmira College's 16th President

On November 6, 2026, members of the Elmira College campus community and special guests gathered to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. John F. Dolan as the sixteenth president of Elmira College.

The sun was bright and the day was warm as guests arrived, filling Gibson Theatre. Among the attendees were students, administrators, alumni, Elmira community members, and members of the Dolan family.

Outside, bells chimed 16 times, honoring Dolan as the College’s 16th President. Inside, music by Antonio Vivaldi began to play, and a long procession of robed figures came from the back of the Theatre and down the aisles. At the front were officials who would take the stage. They were followed by the delegates from other colleges and universities and EC faculty and administrators, all dressed in commencement regalia.

While formal, the mood was bright and exciting.

Representatives from the faculty, administration, students, alumni, and Board of Trustees took the podium to share greetings with Dolan. In their short speeches, a common theme was clear. Each reflected on EC’s traditions and their importance in helping a new president forge a new path forward.

“We look forward to seeing how President Dolan will make this presidency his own, while embracing the traditions that mean so much to our campus community,” said Reilly Stedge '27, President of the Student Association.

“Because ultimately, tradition is not simply what we inherit from those who came before us. It is what we choose to carry forward, and what we leave behind for those who follow,” remarked Rick Kozan '95, President of the Elmira College Alumni Board.

EC’s twelfth First Lady and Board of Trustee member, Dr. Mila Meier, reinforced the theme in her keynote.

“On this auspicious day of new beginnings, let us remember our history and our treasured traditions, yet also soar with enthusiasm and confidence for the days ahead,” she said.

Attendees applauded as State Senator Thomas O’Mara and Elmira City Deputy Mayor Joseph H. Duffy gave formal proclamations. In the City of Elmira, Nov. 6 was deemed Dr. John F. Dolan Day.

One of the most formal moments of the ceremony was the Investiture. EC Board of Trustees Chair George H. Winner, Esquire officially bestowed the Elmira College Medallion, a symbol of the President’s office, on Dolan.

Following the Investiture, Dolan began his inaugural address during which he thanked the Board of Trustees and welcomed his family, thanking them for their support. He gave particular mention to First Lady Marilyn Dolan.

“Today, I would ask you to grant me one favor,” Dolan said to the audience. “Together, let us recognize Marilyn for her support of Elmira College and for her joyfulness in being part of this journey.”

In his remarks, Dolan returned to the theme of traditions and the importance of building off of the work completed by the presidents who came before him. He connected his presidency to previous EC presidents by referring to the inaugurations of Dr. Augustus Cowles, the College’s first president, and Dr. Thomas Meier, the College’s twelfth president. Both recognized the challenges they would need to address as they entered their presidencies.

“It is interesting that Dr. Thomas Meier’s inauguration in 1987 – 39 years ago today – had the same themes as the first president’s inauguration – The Reverend Dr. Augustus Cowles. Both Augustus and Tom underscored the “whole of college” experience in shaping young people for their futures,” he said.

“The work of changing minds, shaping character, and preparing young people to face the world should be performed at a high level. From Reverend Cowles through today – it has never been an easy task.”

“But it is worth it!” he reiterated.

Before the ceremony concluded, the Elmira College Choir, comprised of students, alumni, and employees, led the audience in singing the EC Alma Mater. Attendees linked arms and swayed as they sang, shouting the final line of the song, “Be it ever so.”

For those unable to attend, a recording is available on the Elmira College YouTube channel.