Last Thursday, Hiram College held the inauguration of the 24th President of the institution, Robert E. Bohrer II, Ph.D.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Bohrer serve as Hiram’s president,” said Robert Turner, chair of the Hiram College Board of Trustees. “He is an experienced educator and strong leader whose vision and judgement will serve Hiram well as we continue to fulfill the mission of the College, just as we have done since 1850.” Turner welcomed Dr. Bohrer to continue the tradition of equipping students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Dr. Bohrer is the 24th President who will lead the institution into its 175th year.
In his address, Turner also welcomed the community, including the Board of Trustees, faculty, Board of Visitors, Executive Board, Hiram College Cabinet, and several local governmental dignitaries, including County Commissioners Anthony Badalamenti and Sabrina Christian-Bennett, Hiram Village Mayor Anne Haynam, and Hiram Township Trustee Debra Blake.
In her comments, Class of 2025 Representative Lorna Metzger read from a poem written by former Hiram College student that highlighted the similarities among Hiram College’s early students and those from the late 1960s when the author was at Hiram. Metzger noted a consistent theme from the piece and from her own experiences at Hiram. She closed her remarks by noting she, “found a place that I belong, that will outlast me.”
She introduced Darrien Davenport, Ed.D., the Chief Mission Officer of the YMCA in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Dr. Davenport shared stories from his friendship with his friend Rob (Dr. Bohrer), which began when they were both employed at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. He noted that they shared a bond as first-generation college students. The colleagues became fast friends, as they met in the parking lot and walked to their respective buildings each day.
He noted that Bohrer was a welcoming person who fostered a sense of belonging.
According to Davenport, it was not uncommon that as an African American man, he was followed by police to or from work. As such, he made it a practice to drive a few miles under the speed limit to eliminate a reason to be detained. He noted that his friend Rob was understanding of his situation, noting that with Bohrer he felt that, “we don’t look alike, but we can build community.” He felt that Bohrer offered him “not just a seat at the table, but a meal to share.”
Davenport included a poem by author Maya Angelou entitled, ‘Human Family’ in his address. The last line, “we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike,” resonated in his friendship with Dr. Bohrer. Davenport commented that although his friend Rob “was not a perfect person, he’s perfect for Hiram College.” Next, President Bohrer thanked his friend for his kind words, and noted that anyone who knows him understands that he doesn’t relish being the center of attention.
Dr. Bohrer went on to share that the opportunities he’s had “aren’t’ of my own invention.” He went on to explain that his successes have been made possible through the hard work of others, chief among them, his parents. Being raised during the Depression meant that neither parent had the opportunity to attend college. Bohrer credited them not only with giving his sister and himself that opportunity, but for modeling intellectual curiosity, and the belief that one’s worth isn’t tied to their education or position.
He also credited the countless teachers and coaches throughout his schooling that engaged and encouraged him on his path. He noted that other people’s hard work helped his own success, and he encouraged current students to seek out those people in their lives.
On a lighter note, as an educator, he shared that many students dread having to complete group projects. But he continued to assign them, insisting that they help prepare students for life. He noted that each experience offers opportunities, time, and space to learn. He shared, “Life is a group project.”
He noted that Hiram College began with the idea that all human beings had value. While that seems obvious in the 21st century, that ideology was counter to the laws of 1850. He noted that many colleges and universities, even today, are ‘highly rejective schools where only the ‘cream of the crop’ can attend.”
He was pleased to note that at Hiram College, roughly half of students receive a high level of financial aid, which gives Hiram the opportunity to, “connect bright students with opportunities they haven’t had yet.” He noted that, “Hiram College has accepted everyone since 1850, and that’s an incredible group project!”
Dr. Bohrer came to Hiram College from Gettysburg College after serving more than 20 years in faculty and administrative positions. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in comprehensive social science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Doctor of Philosophy in political science from Texas A&M University.
