Texas A&M International to Host Presidential Inauguration

Texas A&M International University is inviting the communities it serves to a special celebration inaugurating new president, Dr. J. Charles Jennett, November 1-2.

The inauguration theme is "Tradition and Transformation: Leadership for the 21st Century."

Events planned include a traditional academic inauguration with full regalia, groundbreaking activities for new student housing on campus, an alumni homecoming, a lecture by Pulitzer Prize co-winner Andres Oppenheimer, a golf tournament, an international festival and a special Inauguration Dinner and Dance.

Co-chairs of the Inauguration Celebration Committee, Dr. William "Larry" Boyd, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dr. Janet K. Black, Vice President for Advancement and External Affairs, said the event heralds a significant period in the life of the University.

"The inauguration of a President of a University marks a very special time for our community of scholars and the communities we serve. The inauguration ceremony itself dates back to the medieval period and has a rich history and set of special traditions which we will proudly observe," Dr. Boyd said.

Dr. Black noted the event offers the community a chance to visit the campus, meet president Dr. J. Charles Jennett, and enjoy some of the special events planned during the Inauguration Celebration.

"This is an opportunity for the University to welcome an exceptional scholar and administrator as its new leader, to introduce him to our community at large and to host a series of celebratory activities that the entire community can partake in and enjoy," said Dr. Black.

The Inauguration Celebration will begin Friday, Oct. 25 with the first Alumni Homecoming for graduates and friends of Texas A&M International University, Laredo State University and Texas A&I University at Laredo. The Homecoming is sponsored by the Alumni Association with the support of the Faculty Senate and student organizations.

The Homecoming will include tours of the campus from 6:30-8 p.m., the Second Annual Dean's Research Colloquium, a presentation of 15 faculty research papers; a Fall Meeting of the Association and, from 9-10 p.m., refreshments and entertainment in the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

Saturday morning, Oct. 26, the University will host its Second "Dusty" Golf Tournament to raise funds for students scholarships and intramural facilities at the Casa Blanca Golf Course.

Inauguration Celebration activities continue Friday, Nov. 1 at 11 a.m. With groundbreaking ceremonies for on-campus student housing. A barbecue reception and International Festival hosted by students will follow.

Friday at 6:30 p.m., Pulitzer Prize co-winner and author Andres Oppenheimer will present a guest lecture in The Great Room of the Killam Library. Oppenheimer is the author of the acclaimed "Castro's Final Hour" and "Bordering on Chaos." He is the senior Latin American correspondent for the Miami Herald.

At 8 p.m., an Inauguration Dinner and Dance will follow at The Laredo Country Club. Music will be provided by the Ramiro Cervera Orchestra of San Antonio. Tickets will be $20 per couple, $10 per person.

Inauguration Celebration activities will culminate with an impressive Inauguration Ceremony to begin Saturday morning, Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. on the South Plaza of the new campus, 5201 University Boulevard.

For additional information on Inauguration Celebration activities, contact the Texas A&M International University Office of Advancement and External Affairs at 210. 326. 2175.

A&M International office hours are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Recorded event information is available by calling 210. 326. 2171. Information can also be accessed via the University's Home Page, http://www.tamiu.edu.