Melissa Gold

“TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A WILDCAT,” shouted Jaryd dos Anjos, the leader of the Cat Pack Captains. “EVERYDAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A WILDCAT,” responded the crowd that gathered for President Elizabeth Chilton’s inauguration on Friday, Nov. 15.
People from various communities near and far came to the Memorial Union Building and waited for the doors to open to begin the celebration of officially welcoming President Chilton to UNH. Three of her four siblings came to see her accomplishment, and one supported their sister online.
“I’m glad she’s back in the New England area,” said her older sister Michelle.
As people from all different backgrounds filed into the Granite State Room, they enjoyed refreshments and conversations with new and familiar faces.
The event began at 10 a.m. with an energizing welcome from the Cat Pack Captains. USNH Student Trustee, MJ Condon, was the first to speak on her time with President Chilton and her excitement with her inauguration.
“Her emphasis on student inclusion has been clear and transparent from day one on campus,” Condon said.
Alabaster Blue took the stage next and serenaded the audience with UNH’s alma mater and their rendition of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. UNH Faculty Senate Chair Jeffery M. Halpern took the stage next to take his turn in welcoming President Chilton.
“Elizabeth has brought a welcomed approach to the leadership of UNH. We are heartened by the broad and collaborative relationship she has begun to build in her few months in New Hampshire,” said Halpern.
President Chilton took the stage and was welcomed with a standing ovation. She talked of her plans for UNH and her journey to getting here. She thanked multiple people including students, student-athletes, faculty, members of other universities, and many other attendees.
“In some ways, I am an unlikely candidate for a university presidency,” Chilton said, starting her speech.
“This is an honor that the insecure and anxious 18-year-old I spoke about earlier, would never have imagined. And one that I’m grateful and excited to pursue and service to all of you and to this incredible institution,” Chilton commented.
After another standing ovation for President Chilton leaving the stage, UNH’s dance team approached the front. They did two different dances to keep the energy high in the room for President Chilton. The first was the traditional “UNH” routine followed by their “Let’s go ‘Cats” routine.
Kevin Knarr, a ‘91 UNH alum and a member of the USNH Board of Trustees, was the last to take the stage. He was the speaker to officially welcome Chiliton as the president of UNH with a medal stating such.
“It’s just so abundantly clear that not only will we not regret the decision that we made, but in fact, you’re likely poised to exceed all of our expectations,” Knarr said.
As President Chilton approached the stage to receive the medal, she was given another standing ovation from the audience.
The morning ended with more conversation and refreshments, including people surrounding the newest president of UNH for more congratulatory comments.
“We do some amazing things across all of our colleges and campuses… We’re a hidden gem and I don’t want to be hidden anymore,” Chilton said.
If you would like to watch the inauguration, you can watch it here.