Molly O’Keefe/Winonan
Winona State University announced the inauguration of Scott R. Olson as Winona State’s fifteenth president last week.
The inauguration will take place on April 19 at 2:00 p.m. in the McCown Gymnasium.
Olson was selected as president last May.
Before being appointed president at Winona State, Scott R. Olson served as provost, vice president for academic and student affairs, and communication studies professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Ann Kohner, the chair of the inauguration committee, said, “Many people have been wondering why the inauguration takes place so late and they usually wait to do inaugurations until they have been here a while. It kind of gives them time to settle in.”
“Invitations to the inauguration will go out within the next week,” Kohner said.
“All students are welcome to come to the inauguration ceremony as well as the reception afterwards.” The inauguration is also open to the public, she said.
After the official ceremony in McCown Gym, there will be a reception in the second floor gym of the Integrated Wellness Complex.
Kohner said, “The inauguration will be attended by delegates from other universities across the country, the MnSCU chancellor, alumni, Winona State faculty and students.”
At the ceremony Suzanne Draayer, a Winona State music professor, will sing the national anthem, while students from the music department, led by Donald Lovejoy, will play several pieces. There will also be six different speakers at the ceremony.
In the week leading up to the inauguration, Kohner said several other events will take place on campus.
“Everything that goes on that we week will hopefully have an inauguration flair,” Kohner said.
“The day before is Spruce Up Winona, when students go out and do a community project in honor of President Olson. The music department will have several live performances that week as well. It is also Bike Week and that Saturday is Earth Day.”
President Olson, along with some of his family and friends, will be attending the Jazz Ensemble Concert on Friday night as part of the inauguration.
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