Planning underway for chancellor's inauguration

by Barbara Pitoniak, News Office staff

ohn V. Lombardi will be inaugurated as chancellor during morning ceremonies on Feb. 7. A series of events on Feb. 6-7, including academic symposia hosted by each of the campus's 10 schools and colleges, and a dinner, are being planned to celebrate the inauguration and highlight the campus's competitive excellence in teaching and research. All inaugural events will be privately funded.

     A steering committee has been formed to plan the inauguration and related events. Co-chairs are Elizabeth Dale, assistant chancellor for Advancement, and Charlena Seymour, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost. Cathryn L. Lombardi is a member of the steering committee. Numerous subcommittees have also been created to plan various aspects of the inaugural events. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni comprise the membership of both the steering committee and its subcommittees.

     Planning for the inauguration has just begun, with many details, including the time and location of the inaugural ceremony itself, yet to be decided, but Seymour emphasizes that all the inaugural events will focus on the campus. "The inauguration will be an opportunity to showcase the campus to its community. We want to demonstrate to the world that we are proud of the campus as well as of our new chancellor.

     "When we celebrate the chancellor, we celebrate ourselves," says Seymour. "The inauguration will enable the campus to take the opportunity to reflect on its achievements and anticipate the future."

     "That future is one of great promise for the campus," says Dale, "as reflected in its new leadership. The inauguration and all the events related to it are being designed to enhance the image of the campus, to engage our supporters, and to position us to take the next steps in garnering outside resources."

     A budget for the inauguration has yet to be developed, says Dale, who emphasizes no campus monies will be spent on the two-day celebration. "We plan to approach donors, friends, and our corporate partners for private dollars to support every expense associated with all aspects of the inauguration.

     "I have no doubt they'll be very pleased to support this celebration of campus excellence."