With a fanfare of instruments, a chorus of voices and the excited cheers of students, La Sierra University installed Randal R. Wisbey as its president on March 6. The inauguration took place at La Sierra University church.

While La Sierra's history dates back to 1922, Wisbey is the university's third president in its 17-year history as an independent institution. He succeeds Larry Geraty, who led La Sierra for 14 years. Fritz Guy held the post from 1990 to 1993, following the institution's separation from Loma Linda University.

University staff, faculty, students and community members filled the sanctuary. Delegates from regional colleges and universities donned their academic regalia and processed into the church along with similarly attired La Sierra faculty, board trustees, administrative staff and former presidents and provosts. A parade of government, church, education and university leaders gave ceremonial greetings to La Sierra's new leader.

Andrew Hibbert, La Sierra's Student Association president, described working with Wisbey several times following the new president's arrival. "I am very blessed to be at a school that enables close cooperation between the students and administration," Hibbert said.

"I take pride in the mission and good works of this university," said Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge. After saluting "the extraordinary years of Larry Geraty," Loveridge looked forward to Wisbey's leadership. "Dr. Wisbey's commitment, faith, good will and intelligence will make extraordinary things happen. The City of Riverside will be a good friend and supporter. God speed, La Sierra University. God speed, Randal Wisbey. Go for it," Loveridge said.

Jose V. Rojas, director of the Office of Volunteer Ministries for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, described his friendship and conversations with Wisbey over the years. He told the new president, "I know God will go with you because I have seen it in the past, and I have confidence in the future."

John C. Brunt, senior pastor at Azure Hills church in Grand Terrace, delivered the inaugural address titled "Everybody's Slave?"

Brunt taught Wisbey and his wife, Deanna, when the two were students in his religion class at Walla Walla University in College Place, Wash.

"Being everybody's slave is not a matter of pleasing everyone," Brunt said in his address, but of following Jesus' example of service while courageously standing for the truth. "I've always appreciated the gentleness and humility of Dr. Wisbey. The leadership that is most needed is the leadership that cares as Jesus did," Brunt said.

Ricardo B. Graham, Pacific Union president and chair of the La Sierra University Board of Trustees cited the university's motto, ‘to seek, to know, to serve' and Psalm 118:23, "This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."

The brass and wind ensembles performed "Wisdom Fanfare," an inaugural composition by La Sierra's director of wind and percussion studies, Kenneth Narducci.

"This morning I stand before you, humbled and honored," Wisbey said in beginning his response titled "Yes!"

"I am aware, deeply aware, that the work that has been given to me to do is indeed an amazing inheritance characterized by the desires, hopes and dreams of all who have left their mark on La Sierra University," Wisbey said.

Wisbey described La Sierra's dusty beginnings in 1922 on the Rancho La Sierra property owned by millionaire realtor and sportsman W. J. Hole. "Today, in the midst of our 85th school year, we stand on the shoulders of generations of people who said yes to seemingly impossible callings and remarkable opportunities," Wisbey said.

La Sierra will continue to shout "Yes" by "proclaiming our commitment to be a progressive voice for our church, asking appropriate questions and working diligently to find the best, and most powerful, responses," he said.

"Another way in which we will focus our ‘Yes' is by doing a great job in telling the La Sierra University story. Over the coming year, we are committed to doing this better than we have ever done it before," Wisbey said.

With an apology to poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Wisbey recited "How do I love thee, La Sierra University? Let Me Count the Ways." The list included "Academic coaches. Honors students studying in Berlin and Istanbul. Undergraduates doing world-class research. The shriek of the eagle cry. Pancakes at midnight. Provost Warren Trenchard. Discovering new species. Students opening boxes of archeological treasures. Palm trees. Warm breezes. Indian food in the dining commons. Professors who create amazing fanfares for inaugurations."