Sadoff to Be Sworn in as Marian’s 18th President in Inauguration Ceremony

Marian University is set to inaugurate its 18th president, Aaron Sadoff, on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The long-time tradition has been a year in the planning. The day's events will begin with an Inauguration Mass at Dorcas Chapel on the Marian University campus at 11:00 am, and the Inauguration will take place later in the afternoon, followed by a reception.

Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob, the new Archbishop of Milwaukee, will be the principal celebrant at the Mass, with Fr. Ryan Pruess, Fr. Carl Diedrichs, and Fr. Matthew Kirk concelebrating. Members of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes, who founded the university, and dignitaries from other universities will also take part. Here is the schedule:

• Inauguration Mass: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm at Dorcas Chapel
• Inauguration Ceremony: 2:30 pm at the Howard L. Sadoff Gymnasium
• Reception: 4:30 - 8:00 pm on The Quad at Marian University

The Mass, the Inauguration, and the Reception will be held on campus and will be open to the public. There will be a private luncheon, between the Mass and the Inauguration, for the president to entertain the visiting dignitaries, as well as close family and friends.

The reception will feature The Kingfish Band, whose members are Marian University alumni, who formed the band while at Marian.

"It has been a truly remarkable year since President Sadoff took office," said Sister Sharon Pollnow, General Superior for the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. "We know he is committed to the university's founding mission, and we are inspired by his vision and leadership. The Congregation is excited to continue working alongside him to further Marian's legacy of excellence."

About President Aaron Sadoff

Aaron Sadoff, a Fond du Lac native and two-time Marian alumnus, was appointed as the 18th president in April 2024 by the Marian University Board of Trustees and the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. Sadoff earned his Master's in Educational Leadership from Marian in 2001 and his Superintendent Licensure Certificate in 2011. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Before his appointment, Sadoff was the Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. He also served as a member of the Marian University Board of Trustees.

Sadoff's career highlights include:

• Serving for 13 years as the Superintendent of the North Fond du Lac School District, where he led three successful referendums resulting in more than $48 million in facility improvements. He was named the 2019 Wisconsin State Superintendent of the Year.
• Working as a principal and educator in Wisconsin for 12 years.
• Author of the book, MindCraft: The Art of Positive Thinking Right Now!
• Presenting as a professional speaker and TEDx speaker on topics like Happiness and the Power of Positive Psychology.
• Serving as an Army Gulf War veteran from 1990-1992.
• Sadoff and his wife, Kelly, have three adult children, Paige, Lilly, and Ethan.