AMERICUS — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) will inaugurate Neal R. Weaver, Ph.D., as its 11th president in an investiture ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday in GSW’s Convocation Hall in the Student Success Center. The public is invited to attend. A luncheon will follow the ceremony on the front lawn.
“What an honor it has been to serve as GSW’s president this past year,” said Weaver. “I’ve had the opportunity to get to know and work with the amazing faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the university who all help make GSW special. I am excited about our future here in Americus and across the region.”
The theme for the event is “Gaining Momentum: Storming into a New Era.” As GSW is powering through Momentum Year, the theme emphasizes the hard work and dedication that is launching GSW into a new era of leadership and success.
A full week of festivities precedes formal ceremony, including the ‘Glow Canes’ Golf Cart Parade, the SurgeFest music festival, tours of campus, the Faculty and Friends concert and the Griffin Bell Convocation and Distinguished Lecture Series with 2018 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and GSW alumna Jaha Dukureh. The community is invited and encouraged to attend these free events in celebration of the Investiture.
An investiture is a ceremony that formally marks the beginning of a president’s tenure, traditionally held during or at the conclusion of the president’s first year in office. Weaver was first announced as GSW’s president on June 29, 2018, by the Board of Regents and assumed his new position on July 15, 2017.
For more information about Weaver and the full schedule of Investiture events, visit www.gsw.edu/investiture.