Monday, March 22, 2004

March 22, 2004

Wilmington, N.C.—The University of North Carolina at Wilmington announces a week-long celebration in April culminating in the installation of Rosemary DePaolo, the third chancellor and sixth leader of UNCW. DePaolo will take her oath of office at 10 a.m. Friday, April 16 on the lawn of Hoggard Hall. The theme of the installation is “Soaring to Greatness,” and a logo and medallion were created for the event. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to Kenan Auditorium.

The installation of Rosemary DePaolo as chancellor of UNCW represents the continuation of centuries of long academic tradition observed by colleges and universities throughout the world. It is the public and formal charging of the chancellor with the responsibilities and powers of the Office of Chancellor.

The ceremony includes DePaolo’s acceptance of these responsibilities and her pledge to uphold them. It is customary for the chancellor to give an installation response that will project her vision and goals for the institution. Molly Corbett Broad, president of the University of North Carolina, makes the formal presentation and will preside over the installation of the chancellor.

The installation ceremony will include a Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune color guard and a flag processional representing over 30 countries of UNCW students. Delegates from across the country have been invited to the ceremony.

Superior Court Judge Ernest Fullwood ’66, one of UNCW’s first African-American graduates, will administer the oath of office to DePaolo. Fred Chappell, a former North Carolina Poet Laureate and a personal friend of the chancellor’s, will read a poem for the installation. Chappell, a professor in the Department of English at UNC Greensboro, also recited poetry at DePaolo’s inauguration as president at Georgia College and State University.

George J. Mitchell, a former United States senator from Maine, a member of a number of international committees and Disney’s newly-elected chairman, will lecture on “Is Peace an Impossible Dream?” to a dinner on the eve of the installation.

During the week of installation, April 12 to 16, UNCW will host events showcasing faculty and student work, public lectures, sporting events, a groundbreaking for a new campus building, tours and concerts. Many events held at other times during the year were repositioned to coincide with installation. Ruby Bridges, one of the symbols of school integration, will speak at an event as part of the Brown v. Board of Education learning community. Local actor Marjorie Megivern will perform “An American Original: Eleanor Roosevelt” at a luncheon for the Golden Lecture Series. A jazz society scholarship concert at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15 is open to the public and will feature the vocalist Dean Ripa of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

The “Soaring to Greatness” motto adopted for the installation represents the university’s seahawk mascot in active, upward, energetic flight. It also reflects the direction DePaolo plans to lead the university to become the preeminent university of its size in the Southeast.

The university has budgeted $85,000 for this week-long showcase. Proceeds from the ticketed events are expected to exceed expenses and the balance will go toward scholarships.

The Installation Ball at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 16 is a black tie event and is sponsored by the Friends of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.

The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington Big Band will play during this portion of the evening. A dinner, sponsored by ARAMARK, will be served in Wagoner Hall at 7:30 p.m. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington Jazz Combo, comprised of UNCW students, will play background music during dinner. The evening concludes with dancing to the music of the Duke Ladd Band.

The Installation Ball requires an advance paid reservation. The cost of the event is $150 per person.

UNCW encourages participation by the region and local community during all installation events. For more information or reservations, contact the university at 910/962-7049.

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Media Contact: Mimi Cunningham, university relations, 910/962-3171 or cunninghamm@uncw.edu. For the most updated information about the installation events, visit www.uncw.edu/chancellor/installation/.