UMW Celebrates Hurley's Inauguration Week, Installation Ceremony Friday

By EVE CEDERBAUM

President Rick Hurley will be formally inducted into the office of President of The University of Mary Washington during his installation ceremony this Friday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium.

According to the inauguration website the installation will “include traditional pomp and circumstance with a colorful procession of university faculty, delegates from other academic institutions, student leaders, and dignitaries.”

Immediately following the installation will be a reception, weather permitting, on the terrace of Lee Hall, lasting from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

An email sent to the entire student body stated that the Inaugural Ball will be black-tie optional and held in the newly opened William M. Anderson Center from 7:30 p.m. Friday until midnight Saturday morning.

Tickets to the ball cost $15 per student and $45 per “Friend of UMW,” according to the UMW website. Guests are invited to “enjoy wonderful food, delicious drinks, and dancing the night away.”

Festivities this week includ guest lectures and social service projects that will continue into the weekend, including Karl Rove’s guest lecture for the Fredericksburg Forum on Sept. 28, Habitat for Humanity’s “A Legacy of Service” event Thursday afternoon on Ball Circle, and “Engaging Minds: Teaching, Service Learning, and Research,” a series of lectures, also on Thursday, held in Lee Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The final event, “Into the Streets,” will be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Fredericksburg area and include environmental, social and historical events, according to Community Outreach and Resources’ blog. Online reservations for the installation ceremonies are closed, but tickets but tickets to the inaugural ball are available online.

Student reaction to Hurley’s inauguration has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I think the community service aspect of the week is really innovative and a great way to get students involved,” said sophomore Thomas Pacheco.

“We love president Hurley and he deserves this week to celebrate,” said sophomore Kelly Hastings.