Sharon Hahs has attended several presidential installation ceremonies at universities in the past, but this will be her first swearing in as a university president.
Presidential inaugural ceremonies are a chance to celebrate the university’s identity and welcome a new President. Hahs will be installed on September 7, 2007 as the president of Northeastern Illinois University. The theme of inaugural week is “A Celebration of Learning in the Global Community”.
Hahs has enjoyed her tenure thus far, and looks forward to the trials and joys of her first presidential office at a university. Of the months since the beginning of her tenure, she comments, “It has been wonderful. It’s a steep learning curve but it’s one which I have enjoyed.” She said she is committed 100% to the University and its future.
Of the students, Hahs praises their “hardworking” characters, and states she “likes the students very much.” She is looking forward to implement strategic planning to do the very best in global education, and prepping graduates to live in a global society.
A lot of time and effort has been put into the planning of the ceremony and the other festivities, but the budget is expected to be moderately low for the week’s events. “High drama without high expense,” explains the Co-Chair of the Planning Committee, Vicki Roman-Lagunas. Funding for the inaugural week will be drawn from funds from foundations and the Events Budget. No special budget is being devised, and there will be no use of the Student Activities Budget. No estimated cost of the events was made available to the Independent in spite of requests.
Public Relations Director Erika Krehbiel said that she expected Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley to be in attendance at the event.
There is a tentative schedule for the festivities planned so far. On Tuesday, Sept. 4 a keynote speaker is on the agenda, and a Presidential walk around campus. There is also to be an Installation of Banners (Flags) Ceremony. The planning committee hopes to dedicate a new Presidential Garden during the afternoon on Sept. 5 with a Founders Society Dinner is expected to complete the evening. Thursday, Sept. 6 will feature the Taste of NEIU! The Inaugural Planning Committee is sponsoring a block party, and everyone is invited. They encourage the diverse groups on campus to prepare foods, similar to International Day. It should run 5-8 p.m., and will have activities for young children as well. Earlier in the day, during activity hour (1:40-2:40 p.m.) an event entitled Celebrating Traditions and New Beginnings will take place.
The keystone event – the installation ceremony taking place on Friday, Sept. 7 – will begin with a procession at 1 p.m., and continue until 2:30 or 3 p.m. It will be followed by an informal reception open to all. A black tie celebration will start later in the evening.
That will be the wrap up of an exciting week of events at the main campus, while the Center for Inner City Studies and El Centro will having their own celebrations either a week before or after at 5500 N. St. Louis Ave.
Students are highly encouraged to participate in the ceremonies, and especially in the anticipated Flags ceremony. Students are needed to carry the flags during the procession. Krehbiel said that this is not the final schedule and that events may change before the date.