Acorn

As the weather warms, birds fly over head and flowers begin to bud, the new beginnings of the spring season appear � in another form, a white, blue and gold invitation.

This past week, white envelopes holding an invitation to the presidential inauguration flooded the campus mail room. Drew University�s President Bob Weisbuch�s official inauguration will commence on April 27 and continue through April 28 on the Drew campus.

The inauguration will welcome Weisbuch as Drew�s 11th president, celebrate the past years of the University and cheer to those of the future. Weisbuch arrived on campus last July after interviewing in the spring of 2005. Why wait so long for the inauguration?

�It is a little weird lately,� Weisbuch said, but the time he has spent here has given him the opportunity to learn and understand the campus. �I�ll be speaking from the heart. I�m beginning to really understand this place. I can speak with pride and enthusiasm [about Drew],� he said regarding any speeches he may give.

The events of the two-day celebration, as can be seen on the invitation itself, kick off at noon on April 27. The events draw from the different aspects of the Drew community. The art exhibition, the spring concert and the student showcase allow the different disciplines to come together and honor each other as key components to Drew life.

�It�s not all about me,� Weisbuch said, �[it�s] an excuse for showing the University to the University. I�m hoping students will feel welcome � the more student participation, the more fun it will be.�

Other events include the inaugural symposium that invites four college presidents to speak about �The Social Responsibilities of Colleges and Universities in the 21st Century.� Presidents of Bard College, University of Michigan, Kenyon College and Princeton University are expected to deliver interesting and enlightening speeches on the subject.

Library Director Andrew Scrimgeour, has planned a historical exhibition, �New Beginnings,� which is a glimpse into the history of presidential inaugurations at Drew University. The last inauguration took place just over 15 years ago with predecessor Governor Tom Kean.

One event, the Academic Procession and Installation Ceremony, will introduce key-note speaker and close friend of Weisbuch, Earl Lewis, vice president and provost of Emory University. After interviewing with the Drew last year, Weisbuch consulted Lewis about the potential position. Lewis asked him if the position was what he really wanted.

�I don�t know if they want me, but it was then [that I realized] that I really want to be there,� Weisbuch said.

Lewis agreed that if Weisbuch was chosen for the position, he would give the inaugural speech.

�I believe much more now than last year when I was named that the potential for this [University] is unlimited,� Weisbuch said. �This is a wonderful year.�

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