Leslie Turk

Savoie inauguration Thursday, Oct. 30

by Leslie Turk

E. Joseph Savoie will be inaugurated as the sixth president of UL Lafayette on Thursday, Oct. 30 -- the day's events beginning on campus with a 9 a.m. ecumenical prayer service on the grounds of Martin Hall. There will be special performances by choirs from Lafayette High School, Ascension Episcopal School and the UL Lafayette Gospel Choir, followed by a reception on the grounds.

In a 2 p.m. ceremony at the Cajundome, Savoie will formally become UL's sixth president in its 108-year history. Parking is available at the Cajundome with shuttle service to and from Martin Hall.

Thomas Frey, executive director and senior futurist of the DaVinci Institute, will serve as the keynote speaker. He is editor of one of the top science blogs in the world and is Google’s top-rated futurist speaker. The ceremony is open and free to the community.

The event ends with a 6 p.m. "We Are Louisiana" reception at the Cajundome Convention Center, celebrating both the inauguration and 2008 Homecoming week. Entertainment for the evening includes Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & the Zydeco Twisters, Irma Thomas and The Molly Ringwalds. Dress is casual for this event, and admission is a donation in the amount of your choice to the Student Scholarship Fund. This event is open to the public.

For more information on presidential inauguration events, e-mail [email protected] or call (337) 482-6307.