Brescia University inaugurated Madison Silvert as its sixth president on Aug. 15, 2025, before a packed St. Stephen Cathedral. Among the people Silvert thanked were the Ursuline Sisters, who had the vision to begin Brescia in 1950, 25 years after they opened its forerunner, the Mount Saint Joseph Junior College for Women.

Faculty, staff, students, board members, and guests gathered in the Brescia gymnasium in the Moore Center before processing the two blocks to St. Stephen, where Bishop William Medley greeted them, and gave the opening invocation. Aaron Thompson, president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, charged Silvert with continuing the strong education for students that defines Brescia.

Susan Montalvo-Gesser, chairwoman of the Brescia Board of Directors, administered the oath of office to Silvert. The new president noted in his remarks that he and Montalvo-Gesser had been friends since kindergarten.

In his inaugural address, Silvert talked about the continued importance of a college education. He also thanked the people who had been role models for him since childhood.

“There is stationery in your pews,” Silvert said. “Please take this home and write a note of thanks to someone who taught you something.”

Father Larry Hostetter, who concluded his 18-year term as Brescia president in March, offered the benediction to close the service. All those gathered were invited to a picnic in the Brescia quad afterward.

Several Ursuline Sisters were on hand for the ceremony. Here are pictures from the day.