Inauguration Week- Inaugural Gala

Written by Veronica Nunes

On Friday, October 23, 2009, The Sage Colleges hosted an Inaugural Gala at the new Rensselaer Banquet and Conference Facility at the Hilton Garden Inn on Hoosick Street. In attendance were trustees, alumni, students and faculty.

The night began with a performance from The Sagettes singing “The Alma Matter.” Donna Robinson Esteves, RSC ’70, introduced the newly inaugurated President Susan Scrimshaw, who emceed for the night. The President began by premiering a special presenation about Sage, and what has happened in the past year. It highlighted student leaders, speakers, and events that occurred in the past year. The presentation was put together by Fox 23 Station and the Communications Department of Russell Sage.

Along with the presentation, the President reiterated her three themes also mentioned in her inaugural speech- Excellent, Relevant, and Engaged. She stressed the importance of education and outreach to the community within a small soon-to-be university.

The President proceeded with recognizing the trustees. The trustees were recognized in the following areas: Annual Leadership Donors, Sage Ring, and the Founders Society.

The President encouraged guests to not only socialize amongst other tables, but also to dance on the dance floor, which they all did, including President Scrimshaw’s father, Nevin Scrimshaw, who was in attendance along with her mother, Mary Ware Scrimshaw, her daughter Mary Corey March, and her husband Allen Stern.