Marquette’s loss and another school’s gain became official Friday when the Rev. Timothy Lannon was inaugurated as president of St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

The events began Thursday evening with a dinner held for friends and relatives of Lannon, a Jesuit. Some 200 people were in attendance to honor and congratulate Lannon. The group consisted of friends from as early as his high school days in Mason City, Iowa, through faculty and students he encountered at Marquette while acting as the vice-president of Advancement. Also attending were a number of people from his days at Marquette High School where Lannon served his regency and Creighton Prep High School where Lannon served as president for a number of years.

The Rev. James Flaherty, assistant professor of philosophy, was one of the many who turned out for Thursday’s event.

“It was amazing to see the following of friends there from high school.” Flaherty said. “But that’s just the type of guy Tim is. I was barely able to congratulate him Thursday night because he was surrounded by so many people. He was appreciative of everyone who was there. He is going to be sorely missed at Marquette, but it’s the right step for him. It was time to move on.”

Friday commenced with Lannon’s inauguration. Pennsylvania governor Edward G. Rendell spoke at the inauguration. Other speakers included a student and faculty member of St. Joseph’s, the director of their Jesuit Residence and Lannon. Joseph Simmons, a student at Marquette, made the trip to St. Joseph’s for the inauguration.

“The inauguration was very enjoyable.” Simmons said.

“In his acceptance speech Fr. Lannon emphasized how he is hoping to seek out the ‘more’ at St. Joseph’s, the Ignatian Magis which seeks not just breadth of growth, but depth,” Simmons said. “Tim Lannon was an asset to Marquette, and will be at St. Joseph’s. He’ll do it with vigor and zeal too.”

Charles Wilkie, professor and chair of the department of chemistry, attended the ceremonies Thursday and Friday as well.

“He’ll do very well over there.” Wilkie said. “He is ideally suited for the position. It was so amazing to see the number of people that came to support him. Tim Lannon is a great guy. He’s going to be missed as a person as well as an administrator here.”

Lannon was busy all of last week at St. Joseph’s attending several events. Those events included a presidential run in which Lannon participated, a student barbecue with over 1,000 students in attendance, a Liturgy and a service day.

“The whole inauguration process was wonderful.” Lannon said. “It is so important because it marks a huge transition for the university. I enjoyed all of the festivities. I loved Marquette and the people there. But I also love this new position. Being the president of a university gives you a chance to meet new people and work with them on how to make the university even better.”

Lannon is currently one of the 35 members of the Board of Trustees at Marquette after being elected to the Board on May 7, 2003. He serves on the board’s Academic Affairs and Planning Committee.

“He was an excellent addition to the Board because of his experience at Creighton Prep and here at Marquette he brings a depth of wisdom to the Board which is very valuable,” said Steve Frieder, assistant to the president and corporate secretary.