Slippery Rock University President William Behre officially took his place as the college's leader Friday.

“It's really humbling to stand before you today as the 17th president of Slippery Rock University,” Behre said.

Behre spoke during the official inauguration ceremony, thanking many in attendance. As he thanked his wife and children, he needed a moment to compose himself.

“I was fine until I made eye contact with (my wife, Leah,)” Behre said after the ceremony. “This is the most important day of my professional career and to share that with the people most important to me is fantastic.”

Behre framed his speech with a symbol of what represents Slippery Rock University and the greater community — steel.

“We live in steel country,” Behre said in his speech. “Steel is hard and strong and resists rust.”

Behre compared steel's identity as an alloy and being composed of different elements to the university now and what it could be in the future.

“It can be used to suit many needs and that's its strength,” Behre said. “Our future will rest on the elements we add to our alloy.”

Behre said in the next year he would like to focus on a financial aid strategy to attract more diversity.

“Students (today) interact each day with other students who look very much like themselves and with the same upbringing,” Behre said.

Behre said adding more diversity will provide more complex lives and experiences on campus.

“Just as an alloy draws on multiple metals for strength, we draw our intellectual strength from multiple perspectives,” Behre said.

After the ceremony, Behre posed for photographs and spoke to many students, faculty, staff and alumni.

“At this moment, it feels surreal,” Behre said. “I'm overwhelmed today.”

Behre said it's the beginning of a long-term commitment.

“Now I have to reality check with the community,” Behre said of his plans to bring diversity to SRU. “Is it what they see?”

One vote of confidence for diversity came from Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo, who spoke on behalf of the borough during the ceremony.

“I think it's great,” Longo said. “I'm the first college graduate from my family, and I'm a first generation American.”

Longo is also a graduate from the university.

“I'm very proud to be here today and to be involved,” Longo said. “It's an honor to represent Slippery Rock University and our borough.”

Longo said the relationship between the university and borough will be pivotal for the futures of both parties, and in honor of the partnership, he proclaimed Friday as “President William F. Behre Inauguration Day.”

“It bridges the gap between the borough and the university,” he said. “We're a very symbiotic relationship.”

Dallas Kline, president of the Student Government Association, said many students have appreciated Behre's willingness to rub elbows in places like the dining hall and around campus while walking his dogs.

Kline said Behre's emphasis on communication and collaboration has been important for the relationship he now has with the government association and the students they both serve.

“We are pleased to be a part of the ceremony to welcome President Behre,” Kline said during the ceremony. “Dr. Behre has already stolen the hearts of the students.”