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A distinguished crowd gathered in the
Paavo Nurmi Center prior to the Inauguration Ceremony. |
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Dr. Johnson (right,center) spoke with
guests prior to the formal ceremonies. |
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The audience stands for the opening
processional. |
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There were a number opening greetings,
among them Phil Wiirtanen, Chair, of Finnish Council in America. |
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The City of Hancock was formally
represented by William Laitila, Mayor Pro Tem. |
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A special musical offering "Olen Nimkuin
Pilui", (Like a Cloud I Am), composed by Martii Nisonen, with the
Inaugural Celebration Chorus, Gregory Campbell - Director. |
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Dr. Johnson, President Appoint, gives
the introduction for the Inaugural Speaker, Dr. Said Ailabouni. |
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Dr. Ailabouni, is Senior Paster at Grace
Lutherin Church, LaGrange, IL. He was born and raised in Galilee, in
the City of Nazareth, coming to the U.S. in 1969. |
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The Rite of Installation was conducted
by Bishop Thomas Skrenes, Rev. Dr. Dale Skogman, Rev. Dr. Rudy
Kemppainen, and Rev. Gerald Southerton (at podium). |
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Rev. Dr. Skogman gives a scripture
reading. |
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Bishop Skrenes begins the Rite of
Installation. |
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Dr. Johnson accepts the special ministry
and is installed as the new President of Finlandia University. |
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Dr. Johnson delivers his response. |
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A view of Paavo Nurmi Center, as Dr.
Johnson speaks. |
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The Kivajat Dancers, a children’s
Finnish-American Folk Dance Group, directed by Kay Seppala, perform
and on stage dance in celebration. |
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A Celebration cake at the reception
following, expresses the feelings of the Community. Our best wishes
for a long and successful tenure. For more info:
http://www.finlandia.edu/home.html |
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| [ Photos: Roland Burgan ]. |
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