Kindling the Flame
A Look Back at MBU’s Presidential Inauguration
Trustees (l-r) Dr. Sue Whitlock ’67, Kamala Payne Arango ’05, and Dr. Andrew Shipp DPT ’18 present President Jeff Stein to the audience during the ceremony
Mary Baldwin University ushered in a new era of leadership with the inauguration of tenth president Dr. Jeffrey P. Stein in October 2024. The ceremony on a clear autumn morning honored the university’s rich traditions while embracing an inspiring vision for the future. From the academic processional to a joyful final dance off stage, Hunt Hill and Page Terrace were alive with the spirit of collaboration, optimism, and purpose.
The festivities brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and distinguished guests from across the country to celebrate MBU’s legacy and Stein’s commitment to innovation, student success, and belonging. Highlights included moving remarks, Shakespearean interludes, live musical performances, and the symbolic investiture — each moment reinforcing the strength and unity of the Mary Baldwin community.
Relive the joy and excitement through the following multimedia collection: browse photos, watch a recap on Instagram, revisit the program, or experience the full ceremony through the livestream recording. You can also download a commemorative version of the inaugural poem, Class of 2025 Tramere Monroe’s heartfelt tribute to this historic day.
Over and over, the people of Mary Baldwin have endeavored to be better, to be more equitable, to take on new challenges for the Commonwealth and nation, and to empower students who don’t yet believe in themselves, and who have been told they didn’t belong.
President Jeff Stein
Program
The ceremony’s official guide
Re-live special moments, ceremonial proceedings, and key players by flipping through the inauguration program.
Gallery
Inauguration Ceremony, Student Arts Showcase, Community Block Party
From many backgrounds to one Mary Baldwin offering pathways for all. This is the lantern we fight to keep lit.
President Jeff Stein
Ceremony
Watch the full livestream of the October 18 Ceremony
Remarks
Inaugural address by President Jeff Stein
Welcome! Thank you for this incredible celebration of Mary Baldwin past, present, and future. I offer a warm Mary Baldwin welcome and my sincere thanks to each of you for generously sharing your time with us this morning …
Together, we will boldly carry the luminous torch, opening the doors of learning to all who wish to enter. We will lean into innovation and access, and we will continue to rise.
President Jeff Stein
Poem
MBU senior and poet Tramere Monroe’s tribute to the occasion
Just remember,
That in this journey,
When you go, you grow,
and when you grow,
Keep going …