On Thursday, Lewis University has inaugurated its 10th president. Dr. David J. Livingston was presented with the De La Salle Medallion during the ceremony by Brother Gustavo Ramirez Barba, FSC, and General Councilor for Association and Mission for the Brothers of the Christian Schools headquartered in Rome, Italy.
The Medallion was blessed by Pope Francis. Nearly 50 presidents and delegates from other colleges and universities attended the event. The Lewis University board of trustees, De La Salle Christian Brothers, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors, Livingston family members and friends were also present.
The Daily Herald reported that Livingston said Lewis University is well positioned to deliver a meaningful and pragmatic education. In his inaugural address he mentioned that it is not enough to educate students to learn a profession, they should also prepare these students for the professions that in the future that one cannot imagine today.
Livingston shared four concepts to describe how contemporary education may help people navigate to change the world. It included conversation, master learner, experiential learning and freedom.
Livingston has brought more than 15 years of academic and leadership experience to the university when he first assumed the role of president on July 1, 2016. He was also president at Lourdes University.
He also served Mercyhurst University for 16 years in various diverse capacities, which included president of the Faculty Senate and vice president for Advancement. Prior to Mercyhurst, Livingston also taught religious studies at the Loyola Academy High School in Wilme tte, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, University of St. Francis in Joliet, Joliet Catholic Academy and Loyola University of Chicago.
He is a native of Dundee and he received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Augustana College. He got his master's degree in theology from Loyola University and finished his doctoral degree in theology from Vanderbilt University.
