The Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) campus community, alumni and friends are invited to join the inauguration ceremony of Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman on Friday, April 7, at 1 p.m. in the University Commons’ Yoder Arena.
The ceremony will be followed by a reception for all attendees in the Hall of Nations on the building’s upper level. An adjusted class schedule will make it possible for all students, faculty and staff to take part.
Huxman was named EMU’s ninth president in June 2016 and began her official duties on Jan. 2, 2017.
“It’s been a full and exhilarating two months engaging our many EMU constituencies on and off campus, near and far,” said Huxman. “I’m looking forward to the inauguration as an occasion to mark the advent of our centennial year — to look back and take sustenance, to look forward with grand anticipation and bold vision.”
A week of activities
In addition to the inauguration ceremony and reception on Friday afternoon, special activities will take place April 3 through 8 as part of the celebration. Those open to the public include:
Student-led hymn sing featuring some of Dr. Huxman’s favorite hymns. Monday, April 3, 9:30 p.m., Martin Chapel (seminary building)
LovEMU Giving Day, all day, April 4. Campus community, alumni and friends are invited to give a gift to show their love for EMU. Various challenges are offered, including the Huxman Challenge in which Dr. Huxman will contribute $10 for every gift of $10 or more given by an alumnus, up to $1,000. More at love.emu.edu
Tuesday Trivia with Dr. Huxman, Tuesday, April 4, 8-10 p.m., in Common Grounds coffeehouse, University Commons lower level. Beverages available for half-price and room for teams of six to compete and others to observe.
University Chapel, Wednesday, April 5, 10 a.m., Lehman Auditorium. The service will include a time of blessing Dr. Huxman in her new role.
Eighth annual EMU Authors Reception, Wednesday, April 5, 1:30-4 p.m., Campus Center. This event hosted by the provost’s office celebrates scholarly activity among faculty, to include publications but also exhibits or performances over the past two years. Come view materials and chat with faculty members as they are available.
TGIW gathering with author Donald B. Kraybill, Wednesday, April 5, 4 p.m., Common Grounds coffeehouse, University Commons, lower level. Kraybill will speak about researching and writing EMU’s history, Eastern Mennonite University: A Century of Countercultural Education, published by Penn State Press University Press. The book will be released in October 2017.
Theater production: The 39 Steps, Thursday, April 6, 7:30 p.m., Main Stage Theater (University Commons) — a fast-paced “whodunit.” This two-time Tony® and Drama Desk Award-winner is packed with laughs featuring more than 150 zany characters played by a small cast. Tickets are available through EMU’s box office by calling 540-432-4582 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays.
Community service: 20th Annual Blacks Run Clean-Up Day, Saturday, April 8, 9 a.m., 217 Liberty St., Harrisonburg. EMU hopes to involve 100 volunteers. Dr. Huxman will bring greetings at the 9:30 a.m. kick-off with the event running until 11:30, followed by lunch. More details and registration.
Invitation-only events
In addition, a number of invitation-only activities are planned for smaller group recognitions and celebrations with Dr. Huxman. These include:
- A reception for EMU retirees;
- A breakfast reception for EMU Business & Professional Club members;
- A donor dinner;
- A formal Gala Celebration for the campus community and invited guests.
Live stream available
A live stream of the event will be available.
All details about the inauguration, including the livestream link, are available at www.emu.edu/inauguration
Congratulations. EMU is fortunate to have you joining them. God bless you in this work.