6 NORTHERN MAGAZINE ’ ’ ” ” ” ” Higher education is in one of its most exciting periods, he said. At Northern, he sees a university positioned for growth, innovation and impact. He points to the transformation of campus facilities made possible through the generosity of donors, as well as the momentum building across all four of Northern s academic units — the College of Arts and Sciences, the Millicent Atkins School of Education, the School of Business and the School of Fine Arts — each expanding programs and responding to the evolving needs of students, employers and communities. All university presidents want to see their institutions succeed, LaFave said, but there is an added incentive of wanting his alma mater to advance as well. “It’s an added responsibility because in many ways it’s sort of like going home and taking over the family business,” he said. “It’s something you’ve been connected with your whole life. There s a deep personal commitment and connection to the institution that’s really hard to define unless you’ve been there and unless you’ve had those shared lived experiences. That connection links back to the same qualities that first drew LaFave to campus as a student: a culture of support, a commitment to excellence and a community of people working together to build something special. “It’s hard to define, but it’s an atmosphere of care. It’s an atmosphere of community. It’s an atmosphere of everyone working together to help advance the institution, the programs, our students, their success,” he said. “And it’s an atmosphere where students feel at home. I felt that as a student back in 1980, and I still feel it today. “I remember my first official day (as president) on campus. I remember walking to the office thinking how grateful I was for this amazing opportunity,” he said. “I tell myself that every single day and realize along with that comes a huge responsibility to make sure that we really take this institution forward in a positive way. “I’m really excited for the future of Northern,” he said, “and I’m glad I get to be here at this time. Dr. LaFave Investiture Set for Sept. 25 Northern State University will celebrate the investiture of Dr. Alan D. LaFave as the 19th president of Northern at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the Johnson Fine Arts Center. A reception will follow the ceremony. A proud Northern alumnus, LaFave was named the university’s 19th president following the interim presidency of Dr. Laurie Nichols. The campus community, alumni and friends of Northern are invited to attend.
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