Dave Kleis at the podium
Vaidya came to St. Cloud State in July 2015 as provost. He served a year in the role before stepping into the interim presidency in the wake of the death of President Earl H. Potter III in June 2016. He is finishing his second year as interim presidency this June before becoming president of Northern Kentucky University.
Provost Dan Gregory recognized Vaidya’s dedication in leading the university through a difficult time and never wavering from his support for the university and its students.
“He takes time out of his day to talk to many different people … and mentor them,” Gregory said.
St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis expressed what an honor it has been for him to work with Vaidya the last few years.
“I appreciate our friendship. I appreciate your leadership,” Kleis said. “You’ll truly be missed here. … You’ve left your stamp here on our community and that will forever be part of our community.”
— Jack O’Neil Como, Student Government president
Student Government President Jack O’Neil Como thanked Vaidya for challenging students and setting an example of leadership.
“You always made me feel as an equal… as a student that truly means a lot,” he said. “I know I speak for a lot of students when I say you will be missed. You have been an excellent leader for our students and your continued success here at SCSU for our students and what our university can do to be a service for our students speaks for itself.”
Dr. Kenneth Holmen, president and CEO of CentraCare Health, spoke during the presentation and thanked Vaidya for the humanity and community he showcased through his leadership.
“This notion of a shared journey that involves humanity and community is I think what Ashish has demonstrated and lived as we worked together these last years,” Holmen said. “Thank you, bon voyage, best wishes, don’t be a stranger.”
Vice President for University Advancement Matt Andrew presented Vaidya with a gift from the university — a photograph of Vaidya with Blizzard, St. Cloud State’s mascot.
During his presidency Vaidya worked to improve fundraising efforts and worked with the legislative delegation to secure $18 million for the Eastman Hall project while also developing relationships with the city and community. He served on the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation and the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation boards.
Vaidya concluded the reception by thanking everyone for the chance to serve St. Cloud State University and encouraged those present to continue working to be Minnesota’s 21st century engaged university and embody the university’s three strategic goals of engaged campus, engaged students and engaged communities.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my time here at St. Cloud State,” Vaidya said. “I mean this from the bottom of my heart.”
