Dear K-State Campus:
Kirk, Andrew and I would like to thank everyone on the K-State campus for the wonderful welcome we have received from the K-State family. We’ve had an opportunity to interact with various groups on campus over the last several months and are even more excited than ever about the opportunities for K-State. We hope to host many student groups, faculty, staff, administrators and alums in our home on campus over the next year.
Two weeks ago we celebrated the K-State Football Family Reunion. On Sept. 23 and 24, you will have a chance to participate in the K-State Academic Family Reunion. These events relate to the inauguration of Kirk as the 13th president of K-State. We have both formal and informal events planned.
On Wednesday, the campus community is invited to the K-State Student Union’s Bosco Plaza from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for an ice cream social where you will have a chance to visit with Kirk and myself. We’ll have appearances of the K-State pep band and Willie during that time. Also at 10 a.m., Thursday at the corner of Butterfly and Lovers Lane, the Schulz family will plant a tree to celebrate the inauguration.
On Thursday, the formal inauguration event will occur at Bramlage Coliseum at 2 p.m. This K-State family reunion will include Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson, eight members of the Kansas Board of Regents, and representatives from more than 35 universities nationwide. Additionally, more than 150 K-State faculty, staff and administrators will wear their academic regalia in the celebration. The K-State Orchestra and Choirs will perform several selections. Representatives from the faculty, staff, students and alumni will provide comments. Also, Kirk will give a short speech.
Doors at Bramlage will open at 1 p.m. A reception will follow immediately after the ceremony on the Bramlage concourse. The event is open to the entire campus and community.
Kirk and I hope to see you in the receiving line on Thursday as we celebrate the K-State Academic Family Reunion. We feel privileged to have an opportunity to work with such great faculty, staff, administrators and students. Go Cats!