A flood of favorable reaction followed the appointment of Dr. Janet Morgan Riggs '77 as Gettysburg College's new president.

The College's website received thousands of "hits," resulting in dozens of comments posted by alumni, parents, and others.

 "We could sense your dedication and were impressed with your vision in your address to the incoming class of 2012," commented David and Carol Ellis. "Our son is impressed with Gettysburg's quality and pleased to be part of the college community."

"Her support, specifically with the athletics program as well as her involvement with academics, has made quite the impression on me. "Janet is surely the ideal role model for Gettysburg students and staff to look up to," 2008 graduate Cristi Farrell commented in response to the announcement on the College's website.

"We had a gem right in our own backyard!" commented former football captain Tony Pierce '83.

"I am absolutely thrilled at your selection as Gettysburg's fourteenth president and very pleased at the judgment that Gettysburg has shown in selecting you. May your tenure be one of the greatest yet!" commented 1957 graduate Elissa Fisher.


More comments were posted on the College's fan page on Facebook and Riggs' office received many congratulatory emails. Media coverage included the Gettysburg Times article headlined "Students ecstatic," a story in the Harrisburg Patriot-News, and a mention on the website of the Philadelphia CBS television station, and more.

Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences. With a student body of approximately 2,500, it is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. The college was founded in 1832.

Contact: Jim Hale, online content editor