Presidential Inauguration
Join us to celebrate the inauguration of The College of St. Scholastica’s 14th president, Brenda S. Kelly, PhD, on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The College of St. Scholastica warmly invites all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and special guests — including community leaders, college presidents, and supporters — to celebrate the inauguration of Brenda S. Kelly, PhD, as our 14th president.
We hope you will join us as we celebrate this historic milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in the College’s history. Please RSVP for the ceremony by September 18.
Those unable to attend in person are invited to watch the live stream of the inauguration ceremony. A link will be posted on this page closer to the event.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, Oct. 22 | The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota
9-10:45 a.m. — Mass
Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel
Noon-2 p.m. — Presidential Inauguration Ceremony
Reif Gymnasium
2-4 p.m. — Reception
Burns Wellness Commons Field House
All are welcome for hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.
Welcome, Dr. Kelly!
Brenda S. Kelly, PhD, is a distinguished faculty member, scholar, and higher education leader whose career spans teaching, academic scholarship, and institutional administration.
Dr. Kelly earned her BS in Chemistry from Creighton University and her PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Washington. Her faculty appointment at Gustavus Adolphus College began in 2002, where she taught and conducted research in biology, chemistry, and biochemistry for 13 years before transitioning to college administration.
As provost, Dr. Kelly led transformative initiatives, including the implementation of the Gustavus ACTs Strategic Plan and comprehensive changes to the Gustavus academic program.
Her influence has extended across the higher education landscape through her service on the HERC Advisory Board as well as presentations, leadership, and service across multiple higher education organizations. Dr. Kelly’s ongoing commitment to science and liberal arts education is signified by her co-authorship of a textbook entitled “The Science of Cooking: Understanding the Biology and Chemistry of Food and Cooking.”
Consistent with St. Scholastica’s Benedictine values, Dr. Kelly demonstrates a strong record of civic engagement and faith leadership. She has served as a member and liturgical minister at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and has volunteered in various educational, social, and service capacities with Loyola Catholic School and other organizations in Mankato, MN. Dr. Kelly’s family has also hosted multiple high school exchange students from Spain. Dr. Kelly and her family are thrilled to join the Twin Ports and St. Scholastica communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park on campus?
We have reserved parking for the inauguration celebration. No parking permit is required. Guests are invited to park the following lots:
- BWC Lot 2
- Chapel Lot 10
- Groves Lot 12
- Mitchell Lot 3
Accessible parking and a designated drop-off area are available in Lot 10 for Mass and Lot 2A for the inauguration ceremony. A DTA bus stop is conveniently located near the chapel for guests using public transportation. We encourage carpooling and arriving early.
Check out the parking map below to see available parking and ceremony locations. There will be signage marking available parking.
