{"id":1654,"date":"2026-03-02T17:09:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/?page_id=1654"},"modified":"2026-04-10T19:47:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T19:47:58","slug":"inauguration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/inauguration\/","title":{"rendered":"Inauguration of President Rhonda Phillips"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-1654\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-1654-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-0\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-0-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2 style=\"font-size: 2em; color: white; font-family: Baskerville;\">Celebrating the Inauguration of the Eighth President of<br \/>\nSt. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"font-size: 2.8em; color: white; font-family: Baskerville; margin-bottom: 1em;\">Rhonda G. Phillips,<br \/>\nPh.D., FAICP<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-1024x682.jpg\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/0CS_2498.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" alt=\"Three people, two women and one man, walk together outside on a sidewalk, smiling and talking, with brick buildings and greenery in the background.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-1\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-1-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<hr style=\"color: white;\" \/>\n<h3 style=\"color: white; font-family: Baskerville; font-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;\">Please join us, as we formally inaugurate President Phillips<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"color: white; font-family: Baskerville; font-size: 3em; font-weight: 300; text-align: center; font-style: italic;\">April 17, 2026<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"color: white; font-family: Baskerville; font-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; padding-bottom: 0.5em;\">Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall<br \/>\non The College Campus<\/h3>\n<hr style=\"color: white;\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-1-0-1\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div style=\"display: flex; align-items: center; flex-direction: column;\">\n\t<h2 style=\"color: white;\">Livestream will begin 2:10 P.M. EST<\/h2>\n\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qkAwRogOhrA?si=Px7XdVOSPd19UGVx\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-2\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center; color: white; margin-top: 3em; opacity: 0.8;\">Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP, was announced as the 8th president of St. Mary's College of Maryland on April 22, 2025, and assumed her duties on July 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-gold-buttons panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons so-widget-smcm-gold-buttons-default-d75171398898-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><nav class=\"smcm-gold-buttons\"><ul><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#schedule\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-regular fa-calendar\"><\/i>Schedule<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#directions\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-arrow\"><\/i>Directions<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#accommodations\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-hotel\"><\/i>Accommodations<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#visitstmarys\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-arrow\"><\/i>St. Mary's Visitor Guide<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#aboutpresident\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-regular fa-book-user\"><\/i>About President Phillips<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><li><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"#questions\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-question\"><\/i>Questions<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-down smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/brand-resources\/inauguration-media-kit\/\"><div class=\"smcm-gb-label-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-newspaper\"><\/i>For the Media<\/div><div class=\"smcm-gb-icon-wrapper\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-angles-right smcm-gb-linktype\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-4-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center; padding-bottom: 0; padding-top: 1em;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-family: Baskerville; font-size: 1.4em; font-weight: 400; max-width: 900px; opacity: 0.9; text-transform: uppercase; color: #00205C;\">St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland is the National Public Honors College and the Highest-Ranked Civilian Public Liberal Arts College<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr style=\"color: #00205C;\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\"><strong>About<\/strong> SMCM<\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-5-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland (SMCM), the National Public Honors College, is a diverse and engaged community of scholars providing an accessible, transformative and experiential liberal arts and sciences education, setting the unrivaled standard in excellence, integrity and social responsibility.<\/p>\n<p>Founded in 1840 as a monument to the establishment of the state of Maryland, the College is located on the banks of the St. Mary\u2019s River at the site of Maryland\u2019s first capital at Historic St. Mary\u2019s City. The College was designated as Maryland\u2019s public honors college by the General Assembly in 1992 \u2013 the first standalone public honors college in the US. Ranked the No. 5 national public liberal arts college by\u00a0U.S. News &amp; World Report\u00a0\u2013 behind four military academies \u2013 the College sits highly placed on a variety of \u201cbest-of\u201d lists from publications such as\u00a0The Princeton Review,\u00a0Forbes\u00a0and Niche.com.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-5-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-5-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-scaled.png\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-500x278.png 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-1024x569.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-1536x854.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2023-11-08-at-11.16.58-AM-2048x1139.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" title=\"Screenshot 2023-11-08 at 11.16.58\u202fAM\" alt=\"Aerial view of a waterfront community with houses, roads, docks, boats, and trees near a large body of water under a cloudy sky.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"10\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Our ethos \u2013 the St. Mary\u2019s Way \u2013 is inherently linked to the spirit of tolerance and sense of place that is St. Mary\u2019s City. Our community believes in sustaining our natural environment that feeds the Chesapeake Bay; cultivates a culture of tolerance and respect for others; and fosters a spirit of lifelong learning, caring and service.<\/p>\n<p>SMCM enrolls some 1,600 students on a 361-acre residential campus. Students choose from more than 60 undergraduate programs and participate in over 70 club activities. A member of NCAA Division III, the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference and the Intercollegiate Sailing Association, SMCM fields 23 varsity men\u2019s and women\u2019s athletic teams. The College has won the United East Conference\u2019s Presidents\u2019 Trophy for highest athletic performance for three years in a row, and has produced 17 national sailing championships and more than 150 sailing All-Americans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"schedule\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-7\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"11\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Schedule of <strong>Events<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-7-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_siteorigin-panels-builder\" data-index=\"12\" ><div id=\"pl-w69d94bd8d98cc\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-w69d94bd8d98cc-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69d94bd8d98cc-0\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-0-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3 style=\"padding-right: 8px; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 800; margin-top: 1em;\" class=\"section-title\">Tuesday April 14 <br \/>\n11:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m.<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-dot\" style=\"padding-right: 8px;\"><\/i>Jamie L. Roberts Stadium<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"font-weight: 600; font-size: 2.5rem; color: #00205c;\">Spirit Celebration<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">Come out and support the Seahawks as we kick off the inauguration week with pride and community spirit!<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69d94bd8d98cc-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69d94bd8d98cc-1\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-1-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3 style=\"padding-right: 8px; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 800; margin-top: 1em;\" class=\"section-title\">Wednesday April 15\n\t11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 1em;\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-dot\" style=\"padding-right: 8px;\"><\/i>Dodge Performing Arts Center Lobby<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-1-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"font-weight: 600; font-size: 2.5rem; color: #00205c;\">The Boyden Campus-Wide Exhibition: A Walking Tour to \"Liberate the Arts\"<\/h3>\n<p style=\"margin-bottom: 0;\">Celebrate the arts as a cornerstone of a liberal arts education. Light refreshments and remarks emphasize campus creativity and collaboration. Walking tour of campus art begins at noon.<\/p>\n<br \/>\n<em>Open to the Public<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69d94bd8d98cc-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69d94bd8d98cc-2\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-2-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3 style=\"padding-right: 8px; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 800; margin-top: 1em;\" class=\"section-title\">Thursday April 16<br>\n7:30 - 8:30 p.m.<\/h3>\n<p><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-dot\" style=\"padding-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em; line-height: 0.46;\"><\/i>Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-2-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"font-weight: 600; font-size: 2.5rem; color: #00205c;\">Excellence Reimagined: Honors Colleges in the Future of Liberal Arts Education<\/h3>\n<p>Join us for a faculty panel on how to bridge the gap between traditional academic rigor and future-focused skill development, ensuring Honors programs remain transformative centers of learning. Featuring SMCM professors <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/tristan-cai\">Tristan Cai<\/a> (Art), <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/andrew-j-cognard-black\">Andrew Cognard-Black<\/a> (Sociology), and <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/elizabeth-hamman\">Elizabeth Hamman<\/a> (Biology), the panel will be moderated by Dr. Nicola Foote, Dean of the David C. Frederick Honors College at University of Pittsburgh and renowned expert in honors education.<\/p>\n<p><em>RSVP Requested<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69d94bd8d98cc-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69d94bd8d98cc-3\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-3-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3 style=\"padding-right: 8px; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 800; margin-top: 1em;\" class=\"section-title\">Friday April 17<br>3:00 - 5:00 p.m.<\/h3>\n<p style=\"line-height: 0.46;\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-dot\" style=\"padding-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em;\"><\/i>Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-3-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-3-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"font-weight: 600; font-size: 2.5rem; color: #00205c;\">Investiture<\/h3>\n<p>Choral music featuring SMCM students in the Concert Hall of the Dodge Performing Arts Center during event seating, 2:15-2:45. Directed by <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/brittany-chanell-johnson\">Assistant Professor of Music Brittany Johnson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The ceremony, rich with academic tradition, includes the investiture of the presidential medallion and an inaugural address focused on fostering innovation and community engagement. <a href=\"#keynote\">Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, U.S. Representative for Maryland\u2019s 5th Congressional District will be the keynote speaker.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Event performance by the SMCM Jazz Trio, directed by Assistant Professor of Music <a href=\"https:\/\/inside.smcm.edu\/directory\/ellington-carthan\">Ellington Carthan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>RSVP Requested<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-w69d94bd8d98cc-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-w69d94bd8d98cc-4\" ><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-4-0-0\" class=\"widget_text so-panel widget widget_custom_html panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><h3 style=\"padding-right: 8px; font-size: 2.2rem; font-weight: 800; margin-top: 1em;\" class=\"section-title\">Friday April 17<br>immediately following Investiture<\/h3>\n<p style=\"line-height: 0.46;\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-location-dot\" style=\"padding-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em;\"><\/i>Dodge Performing Arts Center Lawn<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-w69d94bd8d98cc-4-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-w69d94bd8d98cc-4-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"9\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h3 style=\"font-weight: 600; font-size: 2.5rem; color: #00205c;\">Inauguration Reception<\/h3>\n<p>Guests are cordially invited to celebrate the inauguration of our 8th president and the next chapter of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland! Enjoy a festive reception featuring light refreshments and music under the tent on the lobby lawn and an opportunity to congratulate President Rhonda Phillips.<\/p>\n<p><em>RSVP Requested<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-7-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"13\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><strong style=\"text-align: center;\">Photography &amp; Recording Notice<\/strong><\/em><br \/>\n<em>Please note that photographs, video and audio recordings may be taken during this event. By attending, you consent to the use of your image, likeness and voice by<br \/>\nSt. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland for educational, promotional and archival purposes, in any medium, without compensation.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"keynote\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-8\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"14\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\">Keynote Speaker Congressman <strong>Steny H. Hoyer<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-8-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"15\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p><strong>Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)<\/strong> represents Maryland\u2019s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Calvert, Charles and St. Mary\u2019s counties. He will retire from Congress at the current 119th session. For Maryland\u2019s Fifth District, Hoyer has championed economic development and job creation, helping to create and save nearly 23,000 jobs by supporting federal facilities and associated businesses located in and around the Fifth District, including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Indian Head, the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, the FDA at White Oak, and the future NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park. He has been a member of the College\u2019s Board of Trustees since 1995 and continues to serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-8-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-8-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"16\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/official.jpg\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/official.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/official-267x400.jpg 267w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/official-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/official-167x250.jpg 167w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" alt=\"A man in a suit and red patterned tie stands outdoors in front of the U.S. Capitol building.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-9\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-9-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-first-child\" data-index=\"17\" ><div id=\"directions\" class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-9-0-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/66sRH1hL9QaW4Zdu7\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-map\"><\/i>Navigate to SMCM with Google Maps<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-9-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion\" data-index=\"18\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>How to get here<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p>St. Mary\u2019s waterfront campus is located 75 miles southeast of Washington, D.C. and 97 miles south of Baltimore on a peninsula bounded by the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay.<\/p>\n<p>The College is located in St. Mary's County adjacent to the historic site of St. Mary's City (1634), the original capital of Maryland and the fourth oldest permanent settlement in British North America.<\/p>\n<p>The thriving city of Lexington Park, home to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, is 8 miles from campus; Leonardtown, the county seat, is 16 miles north of campus.<\/p>\n<p><em>Online map services and GPS systems do not always provide accurate routes to the campus.<\/em> If you plan on using a GPS system, or an online map service, please use the following address:<\/p>\n<address><strong>St. Mary's College of Maryland<\/strong><br \/>\n47645 College Drive<br \/>\nSt. Mary's City, MD<br \/>\n20686<\/address>\n<h3>By Air<\/h3>\n<p>St. Mary's is within 2 hours by car from three major airports. From Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), follow airport signs to I-97 South and the driving directions from Baltimore below. From Reagan National (DCA) airport and Dulles International (IAD) airport, follow the driving directions from Washington, D.C. below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): 70 miles<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): 99 miles<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Baltimore\/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 87 miles<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>By Car<\/h3>\n<p><strong>From the North:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Baltimore:<\/strong> Take I-97 South to MD Route 3 South in Bowie, Maryland. Follow Rte. 3 \/ 301 South to MD Route 4 South in Upper Marlboro. Take Rte. 4 South through Prince Frederick and cross the Thomas Johnson Bridge at Solomon's Island. Approximately 3 miles after crossing the bridge turn left at the first traffic light onto MD Route 235 South. Travel 4.5 miles through Lexington Park, turning right onto Shangri La Drive at stop light (about 1000 feet past the Comfort Inn). Proceed through the next traffic light. Bear left at the fork in the road on Willows Road and drive 3 miles to the stop sign at MD Route 5 South (Point Lookout Rd.). Turn left and continue 4 miles to the College.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Annapolis:\u00a0<\/strong>Follow MD Rte. 2 South from Annapolis until it dead-ends with MD Rte. 4 South. Take Rte. 4 South and cross the Thomas Johnson Bridge at Solomon's Island. Approximately 3 miles after crossing the bridge turn left at the first traffic light onto MD Route 235 South. Travel 4.5 miles through Lexington Park, turning right onto Shangri La Drive at stop light (about 1000 feet past the Comfort Inn). Proceed through the next traffic light. Bear left at the fork in the road on Willows Road and drive 3 miles to the stop sign at MD Route 5 South (Point Lookout Rd.). Turn left and continue 4 miles to the College.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Washington, D.C.:<\/strong> Take the Capital Beltway (I-495\/95) to Exit 11A for MD Route 4 South. Follow Rte. 4 through Prince Frederick and cross the Thomas Johnson Bridge at Solomon's Island. Approximately 3 miles after crossing the bridge turn left at the first traffic light onto MD Route 235 South. Travel 4.5 miles through Lexington Park, turning right onto Shangri La Drive at stop light (about 1000 feet past the Comfort Inn). Proceed through the next traffic light. Bear left at the fork in the road on Willows Road and drive 3 miles to the stop sign at MD Route 5 South (Point Lookout Rd.). Turn left and continue 4 miles to the College.<\/p>\n<p><strong>From the South:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Richmond:<\/strong>\u00a0Take US Route 301 North over the Potomac River Bridge. Turn right at the second set of blinking lights onto MD Route 234. Follow Rte. 234 approximately 23 miles to where it ends at MD Route 5. Turn right (south) on Rte. 5, traveling through Leonardtown, and continue 15 miles to St. Mary's College The campus is located on Route 5.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-9-0-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-accordion panel-last-child\" data-index=\"19\" ><div id=\"accommodations\" class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-9-0-2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-accordion so-widget-smcm-accordion-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-accordion  navy\"><div class=\"title-container\"><h3>Accommodations<\/h3><i class=\"fa-solid fa-plus open-close\" ><\/i><\/div><div class=\"smcm-accordion-content\"> <div class=\"smcm-ac-content-wrapper\"><p>For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at select hotels for event attendees. These accommodations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage guests to make their reservations early, as availability is limited. Booking details, including hotel locations, can be found below.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/app.marriott.com\/reslink?id=1766066243826&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink\">Marriott Properties - Book for SMCM Presidential Inauguration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/attend-my-event\/dcalpht-90x-a03ac848-ccf6-483a-a93c-a6e33cbbcdbe\/\">Home2 Suites by Hilton - Book for SMCM Presidential Inauguration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/book\/reservation\/deeplink\/?ctyhocn=LPKMDHX&amp;groupCode=CHH90H&amp;arrivaldate=2026-04-16&amp;departuredate=2026-04-18&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT\">Hampton Inn - Book for SMCM Presidential Inauguration<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pier450.com\/rooms\/\">The Quarters at Pier450 (Reservations)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitstmarysmd.com\/stay\">Other accommodations in St. Mary's County<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-10\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"visitstmarys\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-10\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-10-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-10-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"20\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-8b5b6f678277-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54135333215_258bbb5f1e_k-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" alt=\"A blue campus police SUV drives down a street during a parade, with people holding American flags standing on the sidewalk in front of storefronts.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-10-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-10-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"21\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\">St. Mary's County <strong>Visitor's Guide<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-10-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor\" data-index=\"22\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>Discover all that St. Mary\u2019s County has to offer, from historic landmarks to beautiful waterfront views. This guide will help you explore the area and find places to visit throughout the county.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-10-1-2\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-button panel-last-child\" data-index=\"23\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-button so-widget-smcm-button-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"smcm-cta-container\"><a class=\"smcm-cta-button red\" style=\"max-width: 100%; width: 100%;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.visitstmarysmd.com\/explore\/\">Explore St. Mary's County<i class=\"fa-solid fa-arrow-up-right-from-square\" style=\"color: #e9e9e9;\"><\/i><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-11\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div id=\"aboutpresident\" class=\"panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-11\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-11-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-11-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"24\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"\">About <strong>President Phillips<\/strong><\/h2><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-11-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"25\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>President Rhonda Phillips earned her bachelor\u2019s degree of geography and her master\u2019s degree of economic development at the University of Southern Mississippi. She applied those degrees to her first professional positions with the City of Birmingham, Alabama, then at the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the International Development Research Council. She earned a M.S. Economics degree and a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology\u2014the first woman to earn that doctorate. Dr. Phillips returned to the University of Southern Mississippi for her first academic professional position, as Director of the Community Planning Program in the Department of Geography and Economic Development. She gained further academic experience at Arizona State University, then as founding Dean of the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University as well as Professor of Agricultural Economics. As President of Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Dr. Phillips helped stabilize the future of that historic institution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-11-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-11-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"26\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2025\/06\/webRPhillipsApril2025-2.jpg\" width=\"384\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2025\/06\/webRPhillipsApril2025-2.jpg 384w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2025\/06\/webRPhillipsApril2025-2-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2025\/06\/webRPhillipsApril2025-2-200x250.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px\" title=\"Evoto\" alt=\"A woman with red hair wearing a navy blazer and white turtleneck stands indoors, smiling, in front of shelves filled with black binders.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-12\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-12-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-12-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"27\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>During her academic career President Phillips was named a three-time Fulbright recipient including as a UK Ulster Policy Fellow in Northern Ireland; a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners; and a Fellow of the American Council on Education. President Phillips is a passionate advocate for the vital roles of honors learning; the liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, and athletics; and interdisciplinary teaching and research within academies of higher education. She is a dedicated advocate for the vital contribution of higher education to the personal growth and career development of her students\u2014as well as the social, economic, and environmental progress of our communities. She seeks to exemplify those values within her own teaching, research, and academic leadership as President of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-1654-13\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-1654-13\" id=\"questions\" data-stretch-type=\"full\" ><div id=\"pgc-1654-13-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-13-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"28\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-1654\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54767252719_13ccef9f70_c.jpg\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54767252719_13ccef9f70_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54767252719_13ccef9f70_c-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54767252719_13ccef9f70_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/178\/2026\/03\/54767252719_13ccef9f70_c-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" alt=\"A woman in a St. Mark&#039;s hat holds a St. Mark&#039;s tote bag under a tent, surrounded by other people participating in an outdoor event.\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-1654-13-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-1654-13-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_smcm-title panel-first-child\" data-index=\"29\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-1654-13-1-0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-smcm-title so-widget-smcm-title-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><h2 class=\"smcm-section-title navy\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Questions<\/strong>?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-1654-13-1-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-last-child\" data-index=\"30\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em> Have questions about the inauguration or need more information? We\u2019re here to help. Please contact the Inauguration Planning Committee at <a href=\"mailto:inauguration2026@smcm.edu\">inauguration2026@smcm.edu<\/a>\u00a0or call <a href=\"tel:2408954888\">(240) 895-4888<\/a>. For updates and additional details, continue to check this page as the event approaches.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrating the Inauguration of the Eighth President of St. Mary\u2019s College of Maryland Rhonda G. Phillips, Ph.D., FAICP Please join us, as we formally inaugurate President Phillips April 17, 2026 Dodge Performing Arts Center Concert Hall on The College Campus<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":234,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1654","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/234"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1654"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1654\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1782,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1654\/revisions\/1782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/president\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}