College’s 10th president inaugurated
By Madelyn Braho · Staff Writer
Grove City College inaugurated its 10th president on March 19 in Harbison, officially recognizing President Bradley Lingo, who became the college president in July 2025.
Faculty attended the ceremony in full academic regalia, and students and alumni filled most of the remaining seats.
Lingo’s wife, Yvonne, and daughters Camille, Elsie and Anna Grace were also present.
During the ceremony, the college’s touring choir performed Christensen’s “Day of Grace,” and Jeffrey Tedford and Sasha Piestro-Tedford sang an arrangement of “Then Sings my Soul.”
Richard Jewell, the college’s eighth president, recounted the legacy of the first nine presidents of the college, beginning with Isaac Ketler, in “Celebrating Our 150 Years.”
Highlights included the story of Isaac and Weir Ketler, father and son, who led the college for 77 of 150 years, the loss of the Supreme Court the loss of the Supreme Court case Grove City College v. Bell, which led to the college’s rejection of federal funding and the story of President Combee, who instituted the policy of giving all students computers.
Former President Paul McNulty returned to campus to speak on “Our Tradition of Faith.”
“When it comes to our tradition of faith, it’s truly a tradition unlike any other,” he said. He recounted how Isaac Ketler believed the college would be “a strong arm … for the Master’s kingdom.”
Ketler wrote that “if this college stands for anything, it stands for the integrity of the Bible and the gospel of the Son of God.”
McNulty also emphasized the cooperation of faith and academia.
“Being Christ-centered is not anti-intellectual, just the opposite,” he said. “It encourages fearless discovery of truth, knowing that Christ is the source of all truth.”
Student Government Association President Julia Sikora welcomed Lingo and offered an invitation on behalf of the student body to “fully participate in the life of the college.”
After a standing ovation following the introduction of Lingo, Edward Breen, chair of the Board of Trustees, presented the 10th president with a medallion during the investiture proceedings. The medallion had fallen off the ribbon, which Yvonne Lingo fixed.
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Craig Jones prayed over Lingo and his family, ending with a statement from former Trustee and Dean of the Chapel Richard Morledge, “It’s a great day in the Kingdom!”
Lingo then spoke on “Faith, Freedom and Our Future,” focusing on the legacy and history of the college as a key part of how it will move forward.
“The mission and vision of this college are the most precious inheritance we have received from those who have come before us,” Lingo said. “They anchor us, they sustain us, and they propel us forward into our next 150 years.”
Lingo emphasized the college’s mission as a “Christ-centered, academically excellent and affordable” college, founded on “permanent ideas and conservative values.”
The ceremony closed with former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence giving the benediction.
“Grove City College is on mission for the Lord,” he said, offering his congratulations to Lingo and his family.
