The Inauguration of Tom Plough
An uplifting ceremony officially kicks off a new era at Assumption.
Dr. Thomas R. Plough was ceremoniously inducted into the office
of president of Assumption College on April 17. As the 15th president,
Dr. Plough set the tone for his future as our leader by recognizing
others-his parents and colleagues, Dr. Magda Demoor, Dr. Maurice
Plasse '46 and Bro. Robert Beaulac, A.A. H'80-for the examples
of excellence that they set. Soft-spoken and down-to-earth, Dr.
Plough graciously, with a wry grin, accepted teasing about his
"wearing of white sneakers" for his interviews (due
to a broken foot) from virtually each person selected to welcome
him. His sneakers symbolized to them that it is character, values,
and a deep love for higher education and for the special "Assumptionist
soul" of the College that is important, not the shoes we
wear. No matter which shoes Tom Plough wears, we have already
seen that he fills Assumption's style competently, and as Dr.
Frederick Bayon '65, representing the trustees, said, "He
wears well!"
The Inaugural celebration attendees were struck by our chancellor,
Fr. Wilfrid Dufault's, A.A. '29, speech, given before he presented
the chain of office.
Fr. Dufault reminded us: "My fellow Assumptionists and I
are persuaded that we as educators and our colleagues at the College
have an obligation to articulate the faith in a manner intelligible
to modern society and to shed the light of the Gospel on the social
and political realities of our day. "
He encouraged us: "Catholic universities, and this College
in particular, through such agencies as Campus Ministry and the
Office of Student Life, must encourage students to live a life
of virtue, of generosity to others, responsibility, civility,
courage, and self-sacrifice. "
He challenged us: "To be a real Catholic university, an
institution must offer a serious liberal arts education, including
sound theology, and it must promote the Catholic way of life in
the university community, ever mindful of d'Alzon's mandate that
students be educated "Until Christ be formed in you."
From year to year, Christian educators must accept the challenge
to prepare today's students to be good Christian citizens and
leaders in tomorrow's world."
Showing his strong support of Dr. Plough, he said, "I am
confident he will be able to carry it [the College's mission-a
vision of Christian education] out energetically and enthusiastically."
The festive day was uplifting, bringing the Assumption family
together to not only officially welcome the Ploughs, but to have
fun, food, and the frivolity of fireworks, and a wonderful family
dance. (Dr. Plough had to wait up for his parents, who stayed
to the very end!)
Tom, Happy 1st Birthday at Assumption!