Presidential portrait unveiled

By Pam Gorsuch on November 16, 2017

Towson University President Kim Schatzel’s official portrait was unveiled Thursday at a reception in the Auburn House, where the portrait will hang alongside those of past presidents who shaped Towson University’s more than 150-year legacy. 

“I am humbled and inspired to have my presidential portrait hang alongside my esteemed predecessors—Sara Richmond, Hoke Smith, Maravene Loeschke, and our current USM Chancellor, Dr. Bob Caret,” Schatzel said. “The work of these remarkable leaders and other past presidents bring us to where Towson University is today—recognized as a leading institution of higher education in our state, our region and nationally. I look forward to working together with our outstanding faculty, staff and alumni to further advance TU’s reputation as a university truly set apart due to its academic excellence, its community impact and its relentless commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus.”

The portrait was commissioned by the alumni association as a gift to the president and the university, in accordance with university custom dating to the 1970s. The association selected artist Ned Bittinger of Portrait Representatives to complete the painting. Bittinger also painted the presidential portrait of Bob Caret and has completed official portraits for U.S. Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and James Baker.

“The alumni association is honored to be a part of this historic occasion of presenting the presidential portrait to Dr. Kim Schatzel,” said Alumni Association President Tony Hamlett ‘76. 

The portrait is painted in three-quarter style and shows Schatzel standing in her office with work papers and a pen in front of her. A replica of the bronze Tiger statue can be seen behind her on her right side. The portrait will hang in the entryway of the Auburn House alongside the portrait of President Maravene Loeschke ‘69/’71.