<p>The inauguration of Christina H. Paxson as 19th president of Brown University will take place on the College Green at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. The inaugural celebration begins on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, with an evening of festive performance, featuring artists from Brown, Providence, and Rhode Island.&nbsp;</p>

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — On Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, Brown University will celebrate the inauguration of its 19th president, Christina H. Paxson. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for 2 p.m. on the College Green, will bring together academic leaders, alumni, and friends from around the nation and across the globe to join with faculty, students, staff and members of the Providence and Rhode Island communities.

All are welcome to attend the ceremony, which will begin with an academic procession of faculty, trustees, fellows, senior officers, and University guests, including representatives from state, U.S. and international colleges, universities, and academic associations.

“Brown has had just 19 presidents in the nearly 250 years since its founding,” said Brown Chancellor Thomas J. Tisch. “Given Brown’s mission and commitment to contributing in meaningful ways through teaching, research and service, this is an important moment not only for the campus community but for communities beyond College Hill. We look forward to welcoming neighbors, partners and friends from Providence, Rhode Island, the nation and the world to join us to acknowledge and celebrate this milestone.”

Paxson, whose selection was announced March 2, 2012, was sworn in as Brown’s 19th president in a small, private ceremony July 2, 2012. The inauguration represents the public administration of the “engagement of office” and the formal presentation of the University’s presidential symbols: the president’s robe, the president’s chain, the Manning chair, and a tin box commissioned by the Corporation in 1765 to hold its copy of the University’s charter.

In addition to the Saturday inauguration ceremony, the University will present a performance Friday evening at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, free and open to the public. It will feature performances by artists in an inaugural celebration, blending talent from the Brown, Providence, and Rhode Island communities. Actress, Brown alumna, and Brown trustee Kate Burton will convene and lead the ceremony. Artistic direction for the evening is being provided by students in the Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. program.

Editors: The University will provide camera platforms, a multbox, and reserved press seating for the Saturday inaugural convocation. Please contact the Office of News and Communications (401-863-2476) to reserve space, register for credentials, or request additional information about events during Inauguration Weekend.

Friday, October 26

8 p.m. — Inaugural Celebration, Veterans Memorial Auditorium

  • Public performances, featuring artists from Brown University and the local community
  • Acclaimed actress and Brown alumna Kate Burton will serve as the evening's host
  • Artistic direction provided by Trinity Repertory Company and Brown/Trinity M.F.A. students
  • Admission is free but tickets are required

Saturday, October 27

2 p.m. — The Inaugural Convocation, The College Green

  • Academic procession of faculty, trustees, fellows, senior officers, and University guests
  • Engagement of office and presentation of presidential symbols
  • Remarks by Mayor Angel Taveras, Gov. Lincoln Chafee '75, Sen. Jack Reed
  • Remarks by Princeton University President Shirley M. Tilghman
  • Remarks from faculty, student and staff representatives
  • The Inaugural Address
  • Reception to follow on the College Green (no tickets required)

For more information, visit brown.edu/inauguration.