Hesston College celebrated the inauguration of Mark Landes as its 10th president during Homecoming Sept. 27 in Hesston Mennonite Church. The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members to affirm the college’s mission and look ahead to its future.

Landes, who officially began his presidency in April, emphasized both the privilege and responsibility of leading Hesston during a pivotal time in its growth as a four-year institution.

“All of these experiences make this work equal amount privilege and responsibility,” he said in his inaugural address.

Landes spoke about the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in carrying forward Hesston’s Anabaptist mission in new ways.

“As many of you know, most of our students don’t come to Hesston College from traditional Mennonite backgrounds anymore,” he said. “So we get to explore faith formation through an Anabaptist lens with so many more students who have never heard that before. This excites me. And I hope it energizes all of us that our mission still matters.”

The inauguration program included music by Bel Canto Singers, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, both as vocalists and instrumentalists, and reflections and prayers from colleagues and friends of the president.