Jim Danko will soon don his academic regalia and be inaugurated Saturday as Butler University’s 21st president.
Danko said he envisions the event as a moment to think about both the present and the future of Butler.
“I hope [the inauguration] energizes the community to think beyond the current ways of thinking,” Danko said. “It’s an inflection point that reopens the spotlight on the community. It’s also self-reflection and a chance to celebrate community.”
The inauguration, “Imagine the Possibilities,” will honor and officially welcome the Danko family to the university.
The entire Butler community is invited to the installation ceremony, college exhibits and an orchestra concert to celebrate the occasion.
Students said they are looking forward to the inauguration festivities.
“Some of my friends are singing in the inauguration ceremonies,” said Faith Lindsay, a senior biology major. “I’m excited for them.”
Student Government Association President Al Carroll said he wants Danko and the inauguration to highlight the best aspects of the university.
“I want to get a sense of community that would otherwise be unmatched,” Carroll said. “We want a president that’s devoted to the university and to students of the university.”
Kate Langdon, a junior philosophy major, said faculty, staff and students have put a lot of time and effort into the inauguration, and it will be a good time to consider the state of the university.
“The inauguration gives us time to reflect on what Butler University does,” Langdon said. “It’s an opportunity to step back and see where we are and where the future needs to go. The inauguration is a great time to do this.”
Sally Childs-Helton, special collections and rare books librarian at Butler, said she believes the inauguration marks a pivotal moment in Butler’s history.
“It marks a major transition point, and it marks a time to reassess where the university is and where it’s going,” Childs-Helton said.
She said a university’s history is important, but so is its future.
“It’s important to pay attention to the history of the university and use it to gauge the future,” Childs-Helton said.
First Lady Bethanie Danko said she hopes her husband’s inauguration will be a special time for the Butler community.
“Attendees should expect to be inspired and excited about the future,” she said.
The installation ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. in Clowes Memorial Hall.
Inauguration Week Events
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9
Innovation and Impact: An Inaugural Exhibit
9 a.m.-6 p.m.—Irwin Library
THURSDAY, Nov. 10
Innovation and Impact: An Inaugural Exhibit
9 a.m.-4 p.m.—Irwin Library
Campus Reception for Innovation and Impact
4-6 p.m.—Irwin Library. Invitation only.
FRIDAY, Nov. 11
Innovation and Impact: An Inaugural Exhibit
9 a.m.-6 p.m.—Irwin Library
Butler Faculty and Staff Reception
2-4 p.m.—Reilly Room in Atherton Union
3:15 p.m.—Remarks
SATURDAY, Nov. 12
Innovation and Impact: An Inaugural Exhibit
10 a.m.-6 p.m.—Irwin Library
Student Breakfast
9-10 a.m.—Johnson Board Room in Robertson Hall
Installation Ceremony
11 a.m.—Clowes Memorial Hall
Delegates Luncheon
1 p.m.—Reilly Room in Atherton Union. Invitation only.
Inaugural Gala
6 p.m.—Indianapolis Museum of Art. Invitation only.
SUNDAY, Nov. 13
Innovation and Impact: An Inaugural Exhibit
10 a.m.-6 p.m.—Irwin Library
Butler Symphony Orchestra Concert
3 p.m.—Clowes Memorial Hall. Community reception immediately following the concert.
