Hundreds Of People Witnessed The Inauguration Of St. Johns University’s 13th President

ST. JOSEPH – Hundreds of people gathered in the  St. John’s Abbey and University Church to witness the  inauguration of St. Johns University’s 13th president Michael Hemesath today (Saturday).

Hemseath officially started at St. Johns on July 1st of this year. Today’s inauguration follows a weekend of official ceremonies celebrating the new university president.

Music led by conductor, Dr. Dale White filled the church as the CSB/SJU Brass Choir entertained guests.

Faculty spoke of Hemesath’s goals for St. Johns and shared personal stories with the crowd. The staff says that in their first encounter with Hemesath he jokingly said that he would cut their salaries, the crowd laughed.

Hemesath received his undergraduate degree from St. Johns in 1981. He is the first layperson appointed to a full St. Johns presidential term.