University at Albany’s 'Celebrate & Advance' Week to Culminate with Presidential Inauguration, Sept. 28

Highlights of the Sept. 21 - 29 Celebrate & Advance week include (clockwise from upper left) the Inauguration of President Robert J. Jones, a performance by Carolee Carmello, a dialogue with Nontombi and Thandeka Tutu, and Pulitzer Prize-winning Gilbert King.

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 13, 2013) -- On Sept. 21, the University at Albany will commence "Celebrate & Advance," a weeklong series of events designed to honor the University’s past while advancing plans for its future. The diverse roster of events encompassing research and scholarship, academic and campus life, diversity, and community engagement and humanitarianism, will culminate in the Sept. 28 inauguration of the University's 19th President, Robert J. Jones. Celebrate and Advance is expected to draw University students, alumni, and faculty and staff, as well as community leaders, delegates, dignitaries and special guests from around the world.

The week’s festivities culminate with the official installation of the University’s 19th president, Robert J. Jones at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Performing Arts Center. Jones was appointed president in January 2013 after serving as senior vice president for Academic Administration at the University of Minnesota System. Since becoming the 19th president of UAlbany, Jones has hosted a series of campus forums on community engagement and led a nine-county tour of the Capital Region, listening and learning about the region’s educational, cultural, business, civic, and recreational assets from area leaders. During the inaugural ceremony, Jones will share his vision for the future of the University.

Following the Sept. 21 home football game against Central Connecticut State in the University’s newly inaugurated multi-sports complex, the variety of events will feature a community dialogue about social activism and public health with Nontombi Naomi Tutu and Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe, daughters of Nobel Peace Prize-winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The week continues with a performance by Albany-native, University alumna and Tony-nominated actress Carolee Carmello '83; an expansive research colloquium featuring “Ted-style” talks by University scientists; a seminar and reading by Niskayuna-native and Pulitzer Prize winner Gilbert King based on his award-winning book “Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, the Groveland Boys and the Dawn of a New America;” and The University’s Student Association World Within Reach Speaker Series featuring David Axelrod, David Plouffe and Jon Favreau for a night “Inside the Obama Campaign.”

Featured event details include:

• UAlbany Football vs. Central Connecticut State - Sept. 21 at 7 p.m.
  At the new Bob Ford Field with fireworks presented by SEFCU following the game. Game is open to the public with tickets starting at $10 and students are always free with college ID.
   
• Fresh Perspective: A Dialogue with the Tutu Sisters – Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
  At Page Hall on the downtown campus. Free and open to the public. To register call (518)-424-5264.

• An Evening with three-time Tony-nominated Broadway Star Carolee Carmello ’83 – Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
  At the Performing Arts Center, Main Theatre on the Uptown Campus. Purchase tickets for the show and reception, or show only here.

• A Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity at UAlbany – Sept. 25 from 4:30 - 8 p.m.
  At the Lecture Centers and Performing Arts Center. Free and open to the public.

• We are UAlbany – A Celebration of Spirit, Pride and Community – Sept. 26 from noon - 4 p.m.
  On the Academic Podium. Free and open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. On display will be 19 four-foot Great Danes' statues decorated and designed by campus individuals, organizations, and departments.

• Reading - New York State Writers Institute visiting author Gilbert King — Sept. 26 – 8 p.m.
  At the Performing Arts Center, Recital Hall. Free and open to the public.

• Installation Ceremony for President Robert J. Jones – Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
  At the Performing Arts Center, Main Theatre. Reception to follow. Free and open to the public. Register.

• World Within Reach Speaker Series, "Inside the Obama Campaign" with David Axelrod, David Plouffe and Jon Favreau – Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
  At the SEFCU Arena. Hosted by the Student Association, University Auxiliary Services, and UAlbany Alumni Association. Free and open to UAlbany faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. Registration required. Contact: UAlbany Student Association.

For more news, subscribe to UAlbany's RSS headline feeds