UM-Flint Prepares for Chancellor's Inauguration

The official inauguration of Chancellor Ruth J. Person as the seventh leader of the University of Michigan-Flint will be held Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. in the UM-Flint Theatre.

Chancellor Person, a U-M alumna, arrived on campus in late August 2008 to assume her position. Prior to the appointment by the University of Michigan Board of Regents, she served as chancellor of Indiana University Kokomo since 1999. She replaced Chancellor Juan Mestas who retired in July 2007.

Prior to the ceremony, faculty and platform participants will gather at the University Pavilion where a procession will be formed to the theatre.

Special guests include U-M President Mary Sue Coleman and Regent Olivia Maynard. Regent Maynard will install the chancellor.

After the ceremony, former UM-Flint Provost Renate McLaughlin will play her bagpipes while leading the participants back to the Pavilion, where a reception will be held.

Chancellor Person recently told the student newspaper, The Michigan Times that she thinks the inauguration will be, "a really good afternoon and a chance for people to think about what they think the future of UM-Flint will be all about."

Last week, representatives from the students, faculty and staff presented a gift of new regalia to Chancellor Person to be worn at the inauguration and upcoming commencement ceremonies.

Faculty Council President Fred Svoboda, left, Chair of Staff Council Debi Rowden, second right, and Student Government Council Vice President Nicholas Josey, right, present Chancellor Ruth Person new regalia.