"[The inauguration will be] fairly simple and will reflect the tradition and spirit of the College," said Director of Public Affairs Stacey Schmeidel. An informal brunch at Valentine Hall will follow the ceremony. After this, a five-person panel will convene in Johnson Chapel to discuss the scope of liberal arts education. "Panelists include leaders in the field of education," said Schmeidel. On the list are Sheldon Hackney, professor of U.S. history at the University of Pennsylvania; Catherine Stimpson, dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at New York University; Diana Chapman, president of Wellesley College; former U.S. Senator Harris Wofford, who currently serves as CEO of the Corporation for National Service, and William Julius Wilson, a professor at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Marx's inauguration comes 40 years after President John F. Kennedy dedicated the library. "Privilege is here, and with privilege goes responsibility," said Kennedy in his 1963 address. Marx is expected to draw on that speech and discuss the roles that the College in particular and liberal arts colleges in general have undertaken in our time.
At the ceremony, poet Richard Wilbur '42 will recite his poem "The Writer," a favorite of Marx's. Various College choral groups are also scheduled to perform.
Many offices and individuals have collaborated to plan the day's events. A committee composed of faculty, students and Marx was formed in order to finalize the event list and agree upon the nature of the ceremony. "[This particular date was selected] a little bit because of President John F. Kennedy's address [given on the same day 40 years ago], but also because it coincides with Trustee's Weekend, so that all the trustees of the College will be here," said Schmeidel.
Guests at the inauguration will include delegations from the New England Small Colleges Athletic Conference and the Consortium on the Financing of Higher Education colleges and universities, Ivy League institutions and Japan's Doshisha University.
According to Schmeidel, the president's office has already sent invitations to faculty, staff and Marx's friends and family. Alumni will soon receive material announcing the events.
Members of the administration met with the newly-formed Student Programming Advisory Board (SPAB), an organization composed of the student activities office and members of Program Board and Social Council, to plan a social, student-run inauguration event. Once plans for this event are finalized, students will receive invitations.