CLINTON, S.C. (courtesy presby.edu) — The inauguration of Presbyterian College’s 20th president, Dr. Anita Gustafson, is being celebrated with a weeklong series of events commemorating the historic occasion. Gustafson will officially become the first female president in the history of the college.
Gustafson’s inauguration begins at 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, in Belk Auditorium. She will be honored by students, college faculty and staff, alumni, friends, family, and dignitaries from several colleges and universities throughout the state and region.
“Dr. Gustafson’s return to campus last fall as PC’s 20th president inspired a warm and enthusiastic welcome throughout the college community and beyond,” said Ruth Roper, chair of PC’s Board of Trustees. “Now we join together to mark this historic occasion to celebrate Dr. Gustafson’s leadership and vision for PC’s future. I am excited about this event and honored to be part of it.”
Inauguration Week kicked off Sunday, April 21, with the Presidential Day of Service – a fitting tribute to the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.” PC’s Student Volunteer Services spearheaded the all-day volunteer event on campus, in the surrounding Laurens County community, and even remotely – each demonstrating the college’s heart of service.
Other Inauguration Week events leading up to Dr. Gustafson’s inauguration include the True Blue Earth Day festival, a PC Chamber Orchestra concert, the 11th annual athletics awards celebration – “The Presbys,” Annual Giving Day, a PC Jazz Band concert, the Robert M. Vance Lecture on Business Ethics, and more.
On the eve of the presidential inauguration, PC faculty, staff, and students will share their commitment to the community and all things Blue Hose at the True Blue Gala at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, in Springs Campus Center.
The grand finale of Inauguration Week is the Presidential Scholarship Ball, a black-tie optional event at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville to raise money for student scholarships. The Ansley Stewart Band, led by PC alumna Ansley Stewart ’07, is the featured performer. Stewart, known around the Atlanta music scene as one of the most versatile vocalists in town, combines 1960s soul and 1980s college radio sounds in an eclectic, thoughtful, and passionate style.
Please click here to read the entire news release on the Presbyterian College website.