For only the second time in its history, and the first time in 46 years, New College of Florida is conducting a formal presidential inauguration. The ceremony and a weekend of special events celebrate the appointment of Dr. Donal O’Shea as the fifth president of New College.
The inauguration ceremony, on Friday, Feb. 15, begins with a formal procession, with more than 150 New College professors and delegates from universities entering in their academic regalia.
The ceremony features prominent speakers from government and education:
• Jennifer Carroll, lieutenant governor of the state of Florida;
• William R. Johnston, chair of the New College of Florida Board of Trustees;
• Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of the State University System of Florida;
• Joanne Creighton, interim president, Haverford College; former president, Mount Holyoke College.
The ceremony continues with the presentation of the Symbols of Office, including the historic Presidential Medallion given to President John G. Elmendorf at his inauguration in 1967.
Following the presentation, President O’Shea will deliver his inaugural address.
The ceremony also will include performances by Acappelago, the New College student a cappella group, and the Riverview High School Kiltie Band Bagpipers.
A post-inauguration reception will feature the Kiltie Band and New College’s New Cats jazz group.
Inauguration weekend activities continue on Saturday, Feb. 16, with an academic showcase on the international impact of the liberal arts, with college presidents and New College alumni from around the globe. There also will be panel discussions on the New College education, with alumni including William Dudley, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
An elegant, black-tie Inaugural Ball on the New College bayfront will close the festivities on Saturday evening. All events, with the exception of the Inaugural Ball, are free and open to the public.
The schedule of inaugural events follows.
February 15, 2013
Mini-Classes
10-10:45 a.m.
“Listen to the Mockingbird,” Dr. Maribeth Clark, Assoc. Professor of Music (Academic Center, Room 218)
“To Fold or Not to Fold: When Proteins Wreak Havoc,” Dr. Katherine Walstrom, Assoc. Professor of Biochemistry (Academic Center, Room 327)
11-11:45 a.m.
“Sensitive Manatees and Thoughtful Dolphins,” Drs. Heidi Harley & Gordon Bauer, Professors of Psychology (Academic Center, Room 218)
“Who Can and Cannot Marry? What Ancient Inscriptions Add to Our Understanding of This Always Current Question,” Dr. Susan Marks, Assoc. Professor of Judaic Studies, Klingenstein Chair (Academic Center, Room 327)
Dedication of the Robert & Beverly Koski Bell Tower and Plaza
12:30-1:30 p.m., outside the Jane Bancroft Cook Library. Reception to follow in the Library.
Inauguration Ceremony
3-4:30 p.m., New College Bayfront
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Joanne Creighton, interim president, Haverford College; former president, Mount Holyoke College.
Inauguration Reception
5-7 p.m., Cook Hall and College Hall, 351 College Drive
Featuring the Riverview High School Kiltie Band and New College’s New Cats jazz band.
February 16, 2013
Pritzker Marine Biology Lab Open House
9 a.m.-12 p.m., 381 College Drive
Academic Showcase
10-11:30 a.m., Sudakoff Conference Center
“Liberal Arts in the World”
Panelists: Dr. Joanne Creighton, interim president, Haverford College; Dr. Esther Barazzone, Ph.D. ’64, president, Chatham University; Dr. Marcia Grant, provost, Ashesi University (Ghana); Dr. Susie Borque, Esther Booth Wiley Professor of Government and former provost, Smith College.
Moderator: Dr. Donal O’Shea, president, New College of Florida
Alumnae/i Panel Discussions, Sudakoff Conference Center
12:30-1:15 p.m.
“From New College to the Fed: How New College Shapes Career Paths”
William Dudley ’71, president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
1:30-2:15 p.m.
“The Unified Experience of Teaching, Scholarship and Service at New College”
Erin Dean, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, New College of Florida
Inaugural Ball, New College Bayfront
6-11 p.m.
Black-tie fundraiser to support New College’s mission.