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Message from HNU President Mike Groener

In Celebration of Inauguration Day 2021

Message from HNU President Mike Groener:

Today we celebrate a peaceful transition of power in our nation’s Office of the President and the start of a new chapter in America. In the wake of the January 6 acts of domestic terrorism in the Capitol, this peaceful transition should not be taken for granted.

President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have taken on our leadership during one of the most difficult moments in U.S. history, a time when a global health crisis, an economic meltdown, continued racial injustice, a worsening climate crisis, and a surge of domestic terrorism weigh heavily on our country. This morning, President Biden emphasized his belief that unity is the only path forward and asked us to treat one another with respect and dignity, noting, “Together we will write an American story of hope, not fear; of unity not division; of light not darkness.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is now the highest-ranking woman in the history of the United States and the first Black American and first person of South Asian descent to hold the nation’s second highest office. Born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley, Harris has demonstrated her commitment to upholding justice and promoting racial justice throughout her career.

There were so many moments of inspiration during this morning’s ceremony, but the poetry of Amanda Gorman, our National Youth Poet Laureate, really stood out to me. Her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” deftly acknowledged the violence and division we are experiencing in our country today while envisioning a path to healing. I especially liked her hopeful line, A nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.

Yes, we continue as a nation to face many challenges. However, today’s peaceful transition of power is reassuring.

With optimism,

Mike Groener
President, Holy Names University