FRAMINGHAM – Dr. Nancy S. Niemi (full bio) will be inaugurated as the 17th President of Framingham State University – America’s oldest public college founded for the education of teachers – during a special ceremony on Friday, May 5th, at 10 a.m. in the Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center.
Dr. Niemi has been serving as President of FSU since July 1st, 2022. She succeeded former President F. Javier Cevallos, who retired last spring. Guests on hand will include Senate President Karen Spilka and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, who will administer the Oath of Office.
Framingham State University is planning a week of inauguration celebrations leading into the ceremony.
The schedule includes:
FSU Cooks with President Niemi: Learn. Cook. Eat.
Time: Monday, May 1st, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Hemenway Hall 209
The Food and Nutrition Department and President Niemi are in the kitchen cooking up some fun! Join us for a special Inauguration Week session of FSU Cooks where the President will be baking chocolate chip cookies, originally invented by FSU alumna Ruth Graves Wakefield.
Faculty Work in Focus: Expertise, Innovation, and Impact at Framingham State University
Time: Tuesday, May 2nd, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Center Forum
Framingham State’s faculty are dynamic, engaging instructors, mentors, scholars and artists, and community members. We invite you to learn about the innovative ways in which four of Framingham State’s faculty are transforming the educational and professional experiences of students, their scholarly and creative fields of inquiry, and the MetroWest community.
Inauguration Dinner
By Invitation Only, Black Tie Optional
Time: Thursday, May 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Warren Conference Center and Inn, Ashland
INAUGURATION DAY – Friday, May 5th
Registration and Robing for Delegates and Members of the Processional Party
Time: 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Location: McCarthy Center Dining Annex
Procession and Inauguration Ceremony
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Location: Dwight Performing Arts Center, Dwight Hall
Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Registered guests should be seated before the procession begins at 10:00 a.m.
Post Ceremony Reception for Delegates and Members of the Processional Party
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Center Dining Annex
Student Conference for Research and Creative Practice
Time: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: McCarthy Center
Ram Jam-boree Campus Celebration/Sandbox
Time: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Location: State Street (rain location: Richard C. Logan Gym)
The campus community is invited to celebrate with live entertainment, activities, games, music, and local food trucks.
Closing Reception
Hors d’oeuvres, small plates, and cocktails will be served.
By Invitation Only, Business Attire
Time: 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Location: Danforth Art Museum, 14 Vernon St, Framingham