WVU Parkersburg to celebrate its first Presidential Inauguration.

CONTACT:  Connie Dziagwa, executive director of communications and public relations, 304-424-8203.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will celebrate its first ever Presidential Inauguration on Saturday, April 2.

A milestone in the college's history, this will be the first time that the institution has conducted an inauguration in its 44 years of existence.  Marie Foster Gnage became the college's sixth president in July.  

"An inauguration is a special time of celebration as we join with the larger academic community from around the state, nation and our local community as well to collectively recall our past and share our hope for the future," said Joseph Badgley, WVU Parkersburg dean of academic affairs. 

Representatives from colleges and universities throughout the nation will participate in the ceremony. Open to the public, the inauguration will be held at 2 p.m. in the college's multi-purpose room.  A reception will follow in the cafeteria concourse.

While the event is the installation of a president, the focus is on the institution.

"The inauguration signals our maturation as a college, but this is also an opportunity for WVU Parkersburg to celebrate its connections and contributions to the community,"  Badgley noted.

A series of events is planned for the inaugural week beginning with a lecture by retired Professor Emeritus Bernard Allen Monday (March 28) on the history and significance of the institution.   A 5:30 p.m. reception will precede his 6 p.m. presentation at the Parkersburg Art Center.  Allen will discuss the college's birth, development and impact.  The event is free and open to the public; reservations are requested to the college's President's Office.  

Events scheduled for the remainder of the week are also designed to focus attention on the institution and are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.  At 11:30 a.m., Tuesday (March 29), Neale School students will serenade President Gnage in the main hallway of the campus.  Other events include a college open house from 4-7 p.m., and a nursing alumni/faculty reception from 7-8 p.m., both on Tuesday; a presentation, "Chicken Soup for the College President's Soul," at noon, Wednesday (March 30) in Room 2536-38 hosted by the Humanities Division; a reception featuring storyteller and singer Jim Bush to be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday at the college's Jackson County Center; a student luau hosted by the Student Services Division at noon on Thursday (March 31) in the multi-purpose room; and a campus "spring sweep" project all day Friday (April 1).  The WVU at Parkersburg Foundation will host an invitation-only reception at the Blennerhassett Hotel Friday evening.  

Following Saturday's inauguration, a black tie gala will be held in the Caperton Center atrium beginning at 7 p.m. and featuring the Bob Thompson Quartet.   Proceeds from the gala will benefit a campus enhancement fund.  Reservation information about the gala is available by contacting the college's President's Office, 424-8200. 

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
Executive Director, Communications and Public Relations
WVU Parkersburg
(304-424-8203)

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