Ludwick inaugurated as UF president

FINDLAY — Richard Ludwick was formally inaugurated as the eighteenth president of the University of Findlay at a Friday afternoon ceremony. Ludwick was presented with the presidential medallion by his predecessor, President Emerita Katherine Fell. Prior to joining the University of Findlay, Ludwick served as the president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. His career has also included service as president of Independent Colleges of Indiana, provost at St. Gregory's University and senior leadership roles at Albany Law School, the University of Florida and the University of Oregon. Ludwick was the first in his family to go to college, as was his wife, Melynda. Standing in front of Old Main, Ludwick noted that, when the Churches of God came together with the citizens of Findlay to create UF, things did not go well at first. "They had some financial troubles," he said. "Even so, six years later when they had their first inauguration in 1888, this building behind me – this edifice – had been built, at great cost to a people not of significant means, but of significant heart." Ludwick said UF is engaged in a strategic planning process "that will launch us into the future." Initial responses from the "inclusive dialogue" among students, faculty, staff and community leaders have found a few common themes. Several themes "are cultural, and point to the kind of community we really are," he said. "We are a community of love. We love one another, we relish in those relationships and we seek a future together that builds that friendship forever. That's real. Ask any Oiler sitting here. They feel it, they know it." Another theme, he said, is that of place. He said he and Melynda are settling in well. "We love Findlay. In just a short while, it grows on you and becomes part of you, and I can tell that in everyone who's here. But it's not just about the geography," he said. "It's about the people, it's about the culture, it's about those values, those enduring elements that make a civilization. It is about our faith. And it's not just about this area. It is wherever the spirit of Findlay goes, whether it's online… whether it's in the horse riding arena, in the courtrooms, the classrooms or the pulpits, it's all about the spirit of Findlay and that place that pervades all of us whether we are here or not." "We look forward to working with Dr. Ludwick," said Elizabeth Buchanan, chair of the Faculty Senate, who was among several speakers preceding Fell and Ludwick. "His background makes him well suited for leading us to a more solvent, more relevant and ultimately more rewarding institution. He also has a wicked sense of humor, which I personally like."