Celebrating a historic day

On Friday, Sept. 20th, the greater U of M community will celebrate the inauguration of Joan T.A. Gabel as the 17th president of the University of Minnesota.

Leading up to Friday’s events, Gabel will join the Twin Cities campus community in four days of hands-on experiences that showcase the work the University does every day. The activities will feature our students, faculty, and staff, and highlight the many ways they deliver the University's mission of education, discovery and innovation, and community-engaged outreach.

The public is invited to two events on campus on Wednesday, Sept. 18. From 11-11:40 a.m., join Gabel at the Twin Cities campus farmers market on Gateway Plaza at the intersection of Washington Ave. and Oak St.  The plaza will be enhanced for this special inauguration event with a broad array of health-focused exhibits featuring U of M units and community partners.

At noon on Northrop plaza there will be a panel discussion, “Student Mental Health from the Lens of Prevention and Resilience.” Moderated by Stephanie Curtis, senior producer of The Thread on Minnesota Public Radio, this panel will feature experts and U of M faculty and students. The event will be streamed online.

Then on Friday, Sept. 20, the big day:

The formal ceremony installing Gabel as the 17th president of the University of Minnesota takes place at 9 a.m. at the Board of Regents offices. Although not open to the public, the ceremony will be broadcast live online.

Everyone is then invited to join the procession along Scholars Walk as Gabel greets students, staff, faculty, and visitors on her way from the McNamara Alumni Center to the iconic steps of Northrop Auditorium. She’ll be joined by the Board of Regents, the U of M Marching Band and Spirit Squad, our five campus mascots, and ROTC flag bearers, among others.

Finally, at 11 a.m. Gabel will deliver her inaugural address on the Northrop steps, an event which will also be streamed online. The public is encouraged to attend, and after the address the University will host a festive lunch of roasted corn, vegan chili, and apples. Local food trucks will be stationed along the Pfutzenreuter Plaza with additional food for purchase. Enjoy performances by the School of Music and visit with student and other University groups.

As an extension to her inauguration, Gabel will visit each system campus this fall to highlight their unique strengths and community impact. She will be on the Morris campus Sept. 23-24, the Duluth campus Oct. 1-2, the Rochester campus Oct. 24, and the Crookston campus Nov. 6-7.