SBU Presidential Inauguration events run Feb. 26-March 4

BOLIVAR, Mo. 鈥� 糖心vlog will celebrate the Inauguration of Richard J. Melson, Ph.D., as the University鈥檚 26th President with a week of Inaugural events spanning Feb. 26-March 4.

鈥淲e are excited to mark this important milestone in SBU鈥檚 history as we formally inaugurate Dr. Melson as SBU鈥檚 26th President,鈥� said Dr. Eddie Bumpers, SBU Board of Trustees chair. 鈥淗is leadership already has been a blessing to SBU and Missouri Baptists as we partner to make SBU a premier institution of Christian higher education.鈥�

The Presidential Inauguration Ceremony is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, in Mabee Chapel on the Bolivar campus. An Inaugural Reception is afterward at 11:30 on the Hammons Court in the Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the Bolivar campus. The public is invited to both events.

Other public events include:

Alumni Appreciation Day and Senior Day at SBU basketball games 鈥� SBU鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams will play their final home games of the regular season beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. Hundreds of SBU alumni and their families will be cheering on the Bearcats, along with special recognition for the seniors on both basketball teams.
Community Celebration in Mountain View 鈥� SBU鈥檚 Mountain View campus is hosting a Community Celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, at Mountain View First Baptist Church, 409 U.S. 60. The event includes kids鈥� activities, free haircuts and food services, refreshments and the opportunity to welcome President Melson.
First Lady event welcoming Mrs. Tammy Melson 鈥� A light breakfast will be served at this ladies-only event in McClelland Dining Facility on the Bolivar campus at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28.
Worship with Matt Papa 鈥� Veteran songwriter and Christian musician Matt Papa will lead worship during the 10 a.m. Chapel service and again at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28.
Presidential Reception in Salem 鈥� SBU鈥檚 Salem campus is hosting a Presidential Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at 501 S. Grand. The public is invited.
Mr. and Miss Southwest Pageant 鈥� The public is welcome at SBU鈥檚 annual event that honors one male and one female student with the title of Mr. and Miss Southwest. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Friday, March 4, in Mabee Chapel.

Additional events

Springfield campus students and employees will welcome President Melson during a lunchtime reception on Monday, Feb. 28. A student 鈥淏earcat Barnyard Bash鈥� is on Thursday, March 3, and the Employee Inaugural Come-and-Go Luncheon is on Friday, March 4.

For more information about the Presidential Inauguration events, go to www.SBUniv.edu/inauguration.

*Published: 2-15-2022