May 21 Inauguration Address to Set New Course for UC's Future

A future vision for the University of Cincinnati – the results of months of consultations – will be unveiled in the inaugural address of President Nancy L. Zimpher during her formal installation as the university’s 25th president at 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2004, in the Fifth Third Arena at Myrl H. Shoemaker Center.

A UC academic plan became one of President Zimpher’s top priorities when she arrived on the UC campus in October 2003.  The vision she will discuss in her inaugural address results from months of collaboration with a wide range of UC’s stakeholders.  The process involved eight Town Hall meetings UC hosted with more than 240 people participating as well as more than 83 input sessions attended by 2,400 people. Hundreds of people also voiced their opinions using the UC academic planning Web site, which attracted literally thousands of visits.

The President’s inauguration is one of several events occurring in the university’s MainStreet Preview Celebration, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 21-22.  Among those participating in the ceremony are Ohio Governor Bob Taft, Ohio Board of Regents Chair Tom Noe, Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken and UC Board of Trustees Chair George Schaefer Jr. The Master of Ceremonies is UC Trustee Jeffrey Wyler. Invitees include UC students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, donors, elected officials, community leaders, neighbors, family, friends and representatives from other universities and learned societies.

UC Board of Trustees Chair George Schaefer Jr. is the honorary chair of the Inaugural Planning Committee.  The inauguration is funded solely by private funds.

Before the ceremony, students and faculty will perform in a Musical Showcase Prelude, beginning at about 2:40 p.m.

At the end of the ceremony, President Zimpher and students will “cut the ribbon” onstage for UC’s new MainStreet.  At 5 p.m., President Zimpher leads a March to MainStreet, ending Bearcat Plaza, where music, picnic fare and other activities celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Tangeman University Center and the new Joseph A. Steger Student Life Center.  For more information on the celebration, see the Web at <http://www.uc.edu/news/NR.asp?id=1619>

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Inauguration day is also marked by a Presidential Luncheon for invited guests. The luncheon will feature a presentation by President Zimpher on the theme of a new book released this month. The book is co-edited by President Zimpher and her husband, Kenneth R. Howey, a research professor in UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. University Leadership in Urban School Renewal  features chapters written by the leaders from 14 Great Cities’ Universities — urban institutions of higher education that collectively prepare a fifth of the nation’s teachers. They reflect on their efforts to answer the call to P-16 education renewal within some of the country’s most challenging metropolitan environments. Their case studies profile the activities undertaken in partnership with local school districts, businesses, government and community groups, and provide a thoughtful analysis of presidential leadership.