Dr. James F. Birge was celebrated at Franklin Pierce University’s first presidential inauguration on April 17, where the theme was "engaged in learning and service."
Alumni representing all five decades, the Board of Trustees, students, faculty, friends, and town representatives honored and congratulated Birge on becoming the fourth president of Franklin Pierce University. Speakers reflected on Birge’s past, including his childhood and adolescence, as well as commemorated his work as an educator and community leader.
The ceremony began with a procession of delegates, who represented 43 academic institutions from across the country. Concluding the procession into the Fieldhouse, the University Singers and New England Quintet, who were conducted by David Brandes, performed the “Franklin Pierce Alma Mater.”
In his inaugural address, Birge opened by sharing his personal experiences in serving others. In early 1992, Birge left his work in higher education administration to become a volunteer in a homeless shelter in downtown Denver, Colorado. Through his work with the poor, Birge realized the opportunity to connect academic learning with community based experiences.
Currently, Birge is working on a vision for the university that reflects “what we value, what we are capable of, and what can continue to differentiate us and our graduates from the mainstream.” He discussed four pillars that he believes will identify Franklin Pierce and help lead to the institution’s future success.
For the first pillar, Birge said, “our academic reputation will be synonymous with high quality education.” In his description, Birge highlighted the positive relationships between students and staff, something that he feels is a continuing strength of the university.
Secondly, Birge hopes to create “an integrated academic opportunity for our students so that they continue their graduate education in the family of Franklin Pierce University.” The College at Rindge and College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) will work in collaboration to accomplish this goal.
In recognition of today’s difficult economic times, Birge said that “students and their families are making choices based on cost rather than value.” According to Birge, families are very much considering the possibility of job loss in the college decision-making process. As a result, Birge said that the third pillar of the university will be to position “ourselves as the college of choice for students and their families.”
Finally, Birge said that he will continue to build strong campus and community relations, something that he feels over the past 18 months have been represented negatively in the local press. While Birge recognized that there will be disagreements, he said that “they don’t need to define our relationship.”
“I do not believe that Franklin Pierce University and the town of Rindge have a poor relationship,” he said. “On the contrary, I think we have a vibrant and respectful relationship that on occasion is tested by poor decisions made by some of our students and by outdated opinions sampled by our local curmudgeons.”
Rindge Selectperson Patricia Lang Berry supported Birge’s vision. She said that the building of Franklin Pierce has been “one of the many highlights in this town’s storied history" and that the destinies of the university and Rindge will "forever be intertwined.”
During the greetings and proclamations portion of the inauguration, Thomas R. Horgan, president and CEO of New Hampshire College and University Council, expressed collective best wishes in his welcome to Birge. “Franklin Pierce is a very special institution with a very special spirit. It is an important thread in the diverse tapestry of New Hampshire,” he said.
Walter Peterson, former president of Franklin Pierce and NH governor, represented all three presidents who had served prior to Birge. Peterson highlighted what he believes to be one of the university’s greatest academic strengths: the faculty’s enthusiasm for helping young people achieve. “We are a part of an intellectual community here at Pierce that has grown in stature and strength,” he said. “I feel immense pride when I think of Pierce and what’s become here.”
Justin Sultzbach, president of the student government association, was encouraged by Birge’s visibility on campus and the opportunity he gives students by holding open office hours. “The Birge family has proven to be an excellent fit within the folds of Franklin Pierce,” he said.
Elizabeth R. Birge, who spoke on behalf of the Birge family, had the audience laughing with jokes about her twin brother’s adolescence and his love of motorcycles. She also credited her parents and grandparents for instilling within her and her brother the value of a college education.
The First Annual Showcase of Academic Excellence was a highlight of Inauguration Week for many members of the Franklin Pierce community. “It represents the culmination of a week of celebration and reflection, not only for the president, but for the university. There is so much to be proud of. The timing is perfect; the campus is coming to life,” said Jim Earle, vice president of student affairs.
Lisa Birge also valued student participation at Rindge and at the CGPS. “We took a trip out to the Concord campus to see the Department of Physical Therapy,” she said. “We’re very honored to be participating in Franklin Pierce’s history.”
According to Lisa Birge, the family’s time in Rindge has been personally meaningful, as New Hampshire is the place where she first met her husband. “It’s exciting to be able to come back to New Hampshire and share the beauty of the state with our children,” she said.
During the reception, immediately following the ceremony, former Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater commended Birge for integrating the university into the larger community. “The ceremony was terrific. This was symbolic of the new perspective he brings the university," he said. "What it says to the world is that we’re Franklin Pierce. We’re doing something important. Come see what we’re doing.”
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