The Inauguration of David Thomas Hayes: He’s Coe from head to toe
D
eftly wielding a shovel, Coe College President David Hayes ’93 gently tamped down loose soil surrounding a recently planted tree the morning of his inauguration. It was an act which provided just a little protection for the sapling and its roots, but was heavy with symbolism.
A native of Cedar Rapids, former Coe student body president, two-time C.J. Lynch Outstanding Teacher awardee and vice president for advancement, Hayes was already a Kohawk through and through. However on Friday, October 28, 2022, dressed head to toe in crimson and gold including his favorite socks, Hayes’ Coe roots grew even deeper as he was inaugurated as the 16th president of Coe College — the first Coe graduate to hold the title.
And, like stabilizing the tree, the rest of the day was about strengthening the prospects of the college.
In his inaugural address, Hayes demonstrated the depth of his relationship with Coe while simultaneously weaving in stories of his past and delivering his vision for the college’s future. He began, though, by acknowledging all those who have invested in him and noting the day was truly about celebrating the college as a whole.
“This gratitude that swells my soul is shaped and scoped by the fact I as a Kohawk find myself on the stage of Sinclair Auditorium, accepting the presidency of Coe College,” Hayes said.
What’s remarkable is that Hayes’ first appearance on the Sinclair stage — behind the same podium — was just over 30 years prior, as the student body president during orientation for the Class of 1997.
Hayes asked the crowd filling Sinclair if they would allow him to reminisce a bit, and recounted stories of his time as a student and encounters he has had throughout his roles at the college.
One of the more poignant moments was Hayes’ experience after his sophomore year. He lost his father the day he came home from that academic year. Half a dozen Coe faculty came to the visitation, but it was an encounter shortly after the devastating loss that left a lasting impression.
“A month or so later on campus, I bumped into the then Academic Dean, who happened to be the eventual 14th president of Coe, Dr. James Phifer. I will never forget this. He had no reason to know me, but he stopped me — a 20-year-old rising junior — to ask if I was OK and if I needed anything from the college. And he then counseled me that I would think of my father every day for the rest of my life, that that was just fine, and to embrace it and understand that these are the thoughts and memories of how we bridge experiences and go forward,” Hayes recalled.
The empathy and personal nature of that moment has carried into how Hayes interacts with students, staff, faculty and other colleagues. Constituency pledges were delivered by Coe Student Body President Toby Lister ’24, Coe Alumni Association President Lauren DuBay Gilbertson ’13, Ben Peterson Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Studies Marty St. Clair, Associate Vice President for Advancement Barb Ernst Tupper ’89, Cedar Rapids City Councilman Dale Todd ’78, Cedar Rapids First Presbyterian Church elder Rev. Herbert Isenberg and Coe College Board of Trustees member retired Brigadier General Hank Taylor ’75.
Delegates from 13 other colleges, universities and higher education organizations were in attendance, as well, while eight other institutions of higher learning sent certificates honoring Hayes on the occasion.
Presenting Hayes for the presidency was Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO, and longtime friend from their time together in law school, Jay Byers. He said that Hayes’ ultimate dream job was always to be the president of Coe College.
Describing Hayes as a “renaissance person” (which includes keeping a steady beat as the drummer in their law school band), Byers added, “I have long thought David would make an excellent college president, and I firmly believe he is the right person at the right time to serve as Coe’s president.”
Now, Hayes’ dream is to build on the momentum and reputation Coe holds — both in the measurable categories like academic rigor and professional outcomes as well as the intangible. He is at the helm of a college that offers a first rate liberal arts education and is nationally ranked for internships, career services, accessible professors and alumni network. But, Hayes noted that’s not the most important Coe story.
“I can tell you [Coe] is so much more than classrooms, laboratories, fields and stages. I have heard [stories like] my Coe story told again and again, by scores of alumni, who can put a finger directly on how Coe literally changed their lives, gave them traction when it would be so easy to slip, and launched them forward toward lives of accomplishment,” Hayes said. “This enterprise, this thing we call Coe College — is precious and unique.”
“At a time when so many seek an environment where they feel valued and a sense of belonging, we need to work with intention to assure that my Coe experience is never the exception, but it’s instead so intensely woven into the very fabric of this place — our shared DNA — that every single student feels nurtured, welcomed and valued,” Hayes added.
Moving forward, Hayes vowed to enhance the Kohawk experience at every step and stage. A central part of his vision is expanded partnerships throughout Cedar Rapids and the Creative Corridor. He sees vibrant extracurricular activities and a focus on life skills that will continue to create a clear path to personal and professional success for Kohawks.
“I know exactly the value of Coe, and it will endure,” Hayes said.
“I thank you for receiving and considering these remarks, and for helping me celebrate today. I am so grateful and blessed to call this college home. And for the first time in its 171 year history, your president can lead the cheer, Alma mater, hail hail hail.”