51ĀŅĀ×

The following message was shared with the 51ĀŅĀ× Community on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.

Dear University Community,

What an incredible time to be a Bobcat! As Chair of your 51ĀŅĀ× Board of Trustees and a graduate of 51ĀŅĀ×, I was excited to be in Athens for this weekendā€™s Homecoming events. The parade was phenomenal as always, followed by a tailgate full of energy and enthusiasm, and then of course a big Bobcat win! 

I wanted to remind each of you that the fanfare isnā€™t over. Next week, on Wednesday, October 18, at 2:30 p.m. in the Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium, we will host the official investiture of our 23rd University President, Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez. This event is open to everyone in our 51ĀŅĀ× Community as well as supporters and collaborators in the communities we serve. For me this marks the end of a year-long journey that each of you were a part of as we searched for the right person to lead us forward. Itā€™s also the beginning of our next chapter together. 

With that in mind, I wanted to extend an invitation of behalf of the Board of Trustees. Students, faculty and staff, please make this momentous occasion a priority in your schedule next week. 

I would also encourage you to attend as many of the Inauguration Week events as you are able to attend. The theme of the week is ā€œCelebration of Placeā€ as we explore where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going ā€“ and how education serves as such a great connector of the past and the future. I am particularly excited about Alden Libraryā€™s exhibit of archival photos on Monday, October 16, and Dr. Sarah Wyattā€™s faculty lecture on Tuesday, October 17, as she shares insights on the future of space travel. 

Itā€™s never been a better time to be a Bobcat. Our University is growing and thriving, and we have an enormous opportunity in front of us with President Gonzalez at the helm. Seizing that opportunity will take all of us, working together, supporting one another, and pouring our energy into this special place that is 51ĀŅĀ×. Please join us to celebrate our University and our new President next week.

Sincerely,

Peggy Viehweger
Chair
51ĀŅĀ× Board of Trustees