By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — A wide variety of dignitaries converged today inside Hagan Arena on the campus of St. Joseph’s University to inaugurate one of the school’s own as the next president of St. Joe’s.

Father Kevin Gillespie is a Narberth native and a 1972 St. Joe’s graduate.  “Thomas Wolfe was wrong — you can go home again,” he said today at his investiture.

Charles Chaput, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, said the depth of Gillespie’s enthusiasm for his alma mater is equaled by his academic expertise.

“It’s a blessing to the whole Philadelphia community that a man of Father Kevin Gillespie’s ability and character officially begins his service,” Chaput said.

For his part, Gillespie used the word “magis,” derived from a Jesuit motto which translates as “the more.”

Not more in the material sense, he pointed out, “but more in a very personal way of being — of striving, of seeking, and ultimately finding God in the choices we make.”

His asked students to continue their passion for the school.

“You are the university’s heart,” he told them.  Then, to the faculty and staff:  “You are the university’s mind.”  And to alumni and benefactors: “You are the university’s soul.”