INAUGURATION: PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE

The writer H.G. Wells, in his essay entitled "The Salvaging of Civilization," reminded us that we all have a responsibility to look beyond the narrow perspective of our lives and actions and into a broader view, though that comes only as a result of considerable effort.

Oftentimes, an inauguration of a college or university president is viewed only as a way to recognize a particular person as he/she assumes the mantle of leadership. That, of course, is one important purpose of the inauguration at Southeast Missouri State University, but the Southeast Board of Regents had the foresight and vision to see a broader view, a vision of what an inaugural event can be. The inaugural activities on campus this week spring from that vision. As we near Inauguration Day Thursday, it might be well to reflect on its purpose.

First, the inauguration was viewed as a context from which to showcase the university and celebrate its excellence. Nearly 30 individual events have been organized by faculty, staff and students, and they are attracting a diversity of audiences. Among the programs showcased are nursing, foreign languages, business, industrial technology, music, art, literature, speech, theater, education, facilities management and more. People from the local community, the region, the state and, indeed, the nation either are attending or are aware of the level of "Southeast Excellence." A facilities administrator from San Antonio, a professor from Harvard, a director of nursing from Indiana, a CEO from a manufacturing company in Detroit, and presidents and other administrators from colleges and universities across the country are on campus this week. Celebrating with us will be Gov. Mel Carnahan and First Lady Jean Carnahan, Secretary of State Bekki Cook, State Treasurer Bob Holden, and state senators and representatives from Kansas City, as well as our own state Sen. Peter Kinder and state Rep. Mary Kasten. The governor will be present as we affirm our strong working relationship and partnerships through signing agreements with the University of Missouri for a cooperative doctoral program and with Three Rivers and Mineral Area community colleges for the Southeast Missouri Cooperative Educational Consortium.

Secondly, the inaugural events have served as a marketing and student recruitment tool. Business and industry representatives from local firms, St. Louis and Poplar Bluff will be attending functions this week. The inaugural schedule/poster was sent by the admissions office to 5,000 prospective students. Student groups from Paducah, Hillsboro, Charleston and Perryville will be here. A church group from Illinois, a community service agency from Cairo, Upward Bound groups and Women's Safe House and Eldercare will visit campus. A black American studies class from SIU and a student group from Murray State will join us. And Puxico is bringing 70 students from English classes; Herculaneum is bringing 50; and Clayton and Summit high schools in St. Louis are bringing students.

Thirdly, the inauguration is a way to show pride in our university. Many alumni have let us know how proud they are that this university has moved forward boldly. Southeast, too, can have dynamic, exciting events with national figures and national exposure. Over 40 newspaper articles have appeared to date; several television and radio stations have talked about Southeast's inaugural celebration (from local to St. Louis to WGN in Chicago); and C-SPAN is taping the Buckley-McGovern debate for airing on its "American Perspective" series. Further, a St. Louis Post-Dispatch education reporter will be on campus the entire day.

And, most importantly, the inauguration is a way to show pride in our students. The Southeast Student Senate will be showcased in the inaugural procession, as will a large group of our international students. Two students (along with two faculty and two community members) will be part of a panel which will have about 30 minutes to question Sen. George McGovern and William F. Buckley. Another student will be involved in ushering Maya Angelou while she is on campus; another will be escorting Mr. Buckley and Senator McGovern; another introduced senator Paul Simon; and student presidential ambassadors will be assisting with the official luncheon and ceremony.

Lastly, the inauguration was envisioned as having the potential for providing some extraordinary learning experiences for students, faculty, staff and the communities-at-large, experiences which transcend the day-to-day learning opportunities on a university campus. Beyond what has been mentioned already, in a period of one week the Southeast campus will be the setting for ideas from former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, former U.S. Sen. George McGovern, "Firing Line" host William F. Buckley; author, historian, poet, actress, humanitarian Dr. Maya Angelou, and Bill Cosby.

In summation, it is important to note that a commitment was made at the outset that NO GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS at the university would be used for the speakers. They would be funded through private donations. That commitment holds. We gratefully acknowledge the corporations and individuals who also saw the inauguration from a broader view and donated significant amounts of money through the Inaugural Ambassador program. They believe strongly enough in Southeast Missouri State University and the purposes of the inauguration to step forward.

It is a time for renewal at the university -- renewal of new leadership with President Dale Nitzschke, renewal of pride in Southeast and renewal with our communities in Southeast Missouri. It is a time to celebrate a benchmark, memorable time at Southeast.

James V. Biundo is assistant to the president at Southeast Missouri State University and chair of the inaugural steering committee.