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An academic symposium, a formal gala and fireworks are among the events planned to celebrate the inauguration of Stephen C. Ainlay as the 18th president of Union College.
The two-day event begins Friday, Sept. 15 with a symposium in the Nott Memorial on “Bridging the Academic – Social Gap.” The keynote address will be given by Richard Light, Walter H. Gale Professor of Education and director of the Harvard Seminar on Assessment at Harvard University. Light's recent book, “Making the Most of College,” won the Stone Award for best book on education and society.
Panelists include Tim Spears, dean and professor of American Literature and Civilization, Middlebury College; Victoria Swigert, professor of sociology and assistant dean, College of the Holy Cross; Kent Trachte, dean of Franklin and Marshall College; and Suzanne Benack, professor of psychology and Minerva faculty representative from Sorum House at Union College.
The moderator will be Byron Nichols, professor of political science at Union.
On Saturday morning, hundreds of invited guests are expected to fill Memorial Chapel for the installation of Ainlay as College President.
William R. Brody, the president of Johns Hopkins University will give an address before James Davison Hunter, LaBrosse-Levinson Distinguished Professor of Religion, Culture and Social Theory, University of Virginia, introduces Ainlay.
Ainlay will then deliver his inaugural address, outlining his goals and vision for the College.
The formal gala on the campus grounds begins at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
“It will be a wonderful time on our beautiful campus,” said Stephen J. Ciesinski, chairman of the College's Board of Trustees.
“One of the things we're proudest of at Union is the breadth and depth of diverse learning, scholarship and campus activities. We are an intimate school that has many exciting things happening. Stephen Ainlay will be part of that first-hand as we induct him into his new leadership role.''
The celebration is being planned by William Finlay, an associate professor and director of the Yulman Theatre. Finlay, who holds a B.A. in theater education/speech from Rhode Island College and an M.E.A. in directing from the University of Connecticut, also is the artistic director of the Saratoga Shakespeare Company in Saratoga Springs.
“After doing initial research on other recent presidential inaugurations it became clear that no two are alike,'' said Finlay, “and ultimately the event should reflect the character of the institution while at the same time being a joyous celebration of welcoming and of this particular moment in the history of the College.
Ainlay was the vice president for academic affairs and professor of sociology and anthropology at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. He assumed the presidency at Union College in July. He succeeds Roger Hull, who served 15 years before stepping down last year. James Underwood, professor emeritus of political science, served as interim president.