Springfield, Ohio – In a ceremony steeped in tradition and reflective of the University’s mission, Wittenberg formally installed Dr. Christian M.M. Brady as its 16th president, Oct. 17, in historic Weaver Chapel.

The totality of the Wittenberg experience was on full display during the Inauguration, which began with a full procession featuring delegates representing institutions across the country, student leaders, members of the University’s Board of Directors and Alumni Association Board, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, all of whom were officially welcomed by William D. “Bill” Edwards, chair of the Board of Directors and a 1989 graduate of the University.

“When we set out last fall to find our next president, we did so with faith and fortitude, and with the knowledge that we had the strength of this incredible campus and community behind us,” Edwards said. “Without question, we found a president in Christian Brady, who personifies the innovative, faith-based, and mission-driven leadership that Wittenberg needs to thrive in today’s higher education landscape. Dr. Brady’s commitment to academic rigor and his experience in building programs and cultivating philanthropic support are proving invaluable as he leads us on the ‘Wittenberg Way.’”

During his remarks, Edwards also shared a special recognition from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, which offered congratulations from the State of Ohio.

“Wittenberg University has a tradition of excellence and achievement, and in your new role as president, you will serve as a vital community resource by preparing students for lives of leadership and service,” the Governor's Office wrote, adding that it looks forward to seeing the impact Dr. Brady will have on Wittenberg University.

Special greetings from select representatives were then shared on behalf of students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Springfield community, and from as far away as Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, home of Wittenberg’s popular study-abroad program.

Student Senate President Katie Lowry, class of 2026 and a biology and psychology double major from Maumee, Ohio, presented the student greeting, while Heather Wright, associate professor of political science and chair of the Faculty Executive Board, shared greetings from the faculty. Kristin Collier, class of 1992, and interim director of the Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Civic and Urban Engagement, represented the University’s staff in her remarks, while Chad Minnick, class of 1998 and current president of the Wittenberg University Alumni Association Board, spoke on behalf of alumni.

The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt, Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod and a member of the Wittenberg Board of Directors, provided greetings from the ELCA and an earlier scripture reading before Rob Rue, mayor of the City of Springfield, offered words from the community. All welcomed President Brady, First Lady Elizabeth Brady, and their family to Wittenberg and the Springfield community.

Additionally during the ceremony, Dr. Brady received international greetings from Mia Eggert, class of 2027 and daughter of Christian Eggert, who has helped facilitate the University’s Witt in Wittenberg program for years in Germany. In her remarks, Mia Eggert presented a special message from Torsten Zugehör, Lord Mayor of Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

"Today marks not only the ceremonial passing of this baton, but also a reaffirmation of the values on which this esteemed institution is founded: the pursuit of truth, the promotion of wisdom, and a commitment to the common good," Zugehör wrote. “Against this backdrop, the long-standing partnership between Wittenberg University and our city, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, is more than just a symbolic connection. It is a living example for the power of dialogue, exchange, and shared goals across borders."

As she continued to read the message and in a surprise moment, Eggert then presented a gift to Dr. Brady from the Lord Mayor to celebrate the two Wittenbergs' special connection.

“I bring a small gift from Lutherstadt Wittenberg: a stamp bearing Martin Luther's face, with the words ‘Nailed it’ above and ‘Luther approved’ below. It's our way of saying: Well done—and historically accurate! It is, of course, a nod to the 95 Theses that Luther nailed to the door of the Castle Church... and perhaps also to you doing an excellent job as university president.”

Those in attendance were also treated to two musical performances by the Kenton Ridge Chamber Singers, an additional reading by Board member Steve Neely, class of 1975, and a keynote address by The Rev. Canon Dr. Hugh R. Page, Jr., an internationally renowned scholar of Africana studies and Hebrew literature, a poet, academic administrator, and an Episcopal priest, who currently serves as a Professor of Theology and Africana Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Council Chair of the Society of Biblical Literature and a friend of Dr. Brady’s, Rev. Dr. Page discussed elements of effective leadership with the most important one being love.

“I invite you to join me in congratulating Dr. Brady as he begins his presidential ministry at Wittenberg; to support him as he shoulders the distinctive responsibilities of his office; and to accompany him as stewards of Wittenberg’s legacy,” he said. “May the days ahead find you witnessing to the ways a university community can leverage its teaching, research, learning, and service to lead a fractured world from crisis to hope through the power of a love through which all things — even the inconceivable — are gloriously possible.”

The centerpiece of the ceremony – the inaugural rite – then took place with Board Chair Edwards administering the presidential responsibilities as expressed in the University’s charter, Wittenberg's constitution and bylaws, and the will of the community. President Brady was then presented with a gold medallion featuring the official Wittenberg Seal, along with the Luther cap, similar to the one worn by Martin Luther, and the University’s charter. Doug Kentfield, Wittenberg class of 1978 and chair of the presidential search committee, Bishop Dillahunt, and First Lady Elizabeth Brady participated in the rite.

Following the formal installation, Dr. Brady presented his inaugural address in which he first thanked his family, mentors, and all those gathered for their support and encouragement. He also expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors for its confidence in inviting him to lead Wittenberg at this important time in its history.

Dr. Brady then discussed moving forward in hope and confidence, noting that it may “not be what we expect, but by planning and acting now, we will be ready to embrace what tomorrow brings.” He also stressed the importance of Wittenberg being firmly grounded in its mission to be and remain a liberal arts university, reaffirming that “how we learn is what sets the Wittenberg experience apart."

“The Wittenberg Way of learning develops in our students the wisdom and knowledge of deep thinking along with the skills and traits needed for practical application. Through the love of ALL true knowledge, they come to know themselves, discerning their calling and purpose in life,” he said, adding that “the Wittenberg Way of learning broadens students’ perspectives to consider not only themselves and their community, but to understand that we are a part of a ‘cloud of witnesses,’ a part of all humanity and as such have moral and ethical responsibilities."

Dr. Brady further stated that “the Wittenberg Way of learning engages students holistically, through athletics, community leadership, and spiritual formation. To put it in a sentence: ‘On the Wittenberg Way, our students discern their calling, develop the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers, and prepare for purposeful and fulfilling lives.’ Thank you for allowing me to join you on the Wittenberg Way.”

Following his remarks, First Lady Elizabeth Brady read “Blessings: For a New Position,” a poem by John O’Donohue, before the candle lighting portion of the program began.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Brady lighting a candle and passing the light to students and staff lining the aisles, symbolizing the University’s beloved motto, “Having Light We Pass It On To Others.” The community then joined in the singing of the Alma Mater led by the University’s 2025-2026 Alma Luxes, Neil H. Boyles, class of 2026 from Ostrander, Ohio, and Taylor “Moose” Harper, class of 2026 from Columbus, Ohio.

The Rev. Dr. Scott Ness, Wittenberg class of 2001 and member of the University's Board of Directors, provided the benediction.

Coordinated by a 17-member steering committee with campus-wide representation, the inauguration celebration included several special events leading up to the ceremony, including the student-focused Witt Way Wednesday on Oct. 15 and the Research Experience Symposium, Oct. 16-17, inside Thomas Library.

The activities will continue throughout the weekend, beginning with a Celebration of Service with Alumni on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 1929 Gymnasium, part of the Health, Wellness & Athletics Complex. A Lesotho Nutrition Initiative (LNI) meal-packing event will also take place at the same time and location. From 2:30 to 4 p.m., the Tiger Town 2.0 Tailgate kicks off before the Tigers take on Denison in a North Coast Athletic Conference matchup at Edwards-Maurer Field at 4 p.m. 

The celebratory week will conclude Sunday, Oct. 19, with donuts and fellowship at 10:30 a.m. in Weaver Chapel, followed by a worship service at 11 a.m. during which President Brady will provide the sermon.

• To view the livestream of the inauguration ceremony, click here.