CHAUTAUQUA – With three taps of a gavel and a standing ovation for his years of service, Tom Becker commenced the 143rd assembly at Chautauqua Institution on Sunday.

The 17th president of the lauded educational community was met with a standing ovation before and after his address at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater in recognition of his final year in such a capacity.

In January, Becker announced via a letter addressed to his fellow Chautauquans that he would step down from his post at the conclusion of the 2016 season, and usher in a new era for the institution. Having served as institution president since 2003, Becker said the decision was driven from a personal and professional standpoint.

During his commencement address Sunday, which he entitled “Behold,” Becker took time to single out and thank the many people who have been crucial to his success including his wife, Jane, his colleagues and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the programming and many offerings at Chautauqua Institution are pulled off without a hitch.

Additionally, he called to mind a number of those who have passed away recently, honoring their memory with the factual statement that they are sorely missed by those at the institution and by him, personally. He also quoted works by the ancient Roman poet Virgil, and Solomon, author of the Bibical book “Ecclesiastes.”

“Ours is a community of faith,” he said before the congregation. “I think the work of this place is poetic, and I believe that we have herein the opportunity to be the poets of our own lives. I believe this place is the room of our own, and my hope is that we will take time while here to behold the world in which we live.”

Becker joined Chautauqua Institution in 1985 as vice president of development, and vice president of the Chautauqua Foundation. He later served as executive vice president for development of Chautauqua Institution and as chief executive officer of the foundation. As CEO, Becker oversaw the growth of the foundation into a professional fundraising organization achieving over $100 million in support of the institution and successfully guided campaigns to build and endow Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall and Bratton Theater.

As president, Becker steered the institution through the financial crisis of the late 2000s and positioned it for long-term sustainability. Most recently, he successfully led the effort to raise $41.5 million in philanthropy for the renewal of the Chautauqua Amphitheater, a project scheduled for a grand opening at the start of the 2017 season. His presidency has seen the success of two capital campaigns including the current Promise Campaign, a six-year initiative raising $98.2 million to be invested across the institution’s programs, people and physical plant.

The search for the 18th president of Chautauqua Institution is being undertaken by a six-person committee. According to the institution, the goal is to name Becker’s successor by the fall.