Text of Dr. Brazil's Inaugural Address

Inaugural Greetings

Images of the Celebration

Dr. Brackenridge presents the multimedia presentation titled "A Tale of Three Cities."

Months of planning and hard work paid off handsomely as the inauguration of Dr. John Brazil came off without a hitch.  Even the February weather--always chancy in Texas--cooperated and inauguration day dawned cool and clear.  Based on the theme Advancing the Legacy of Learning and Leadership, the weekend began with an inaugural symposium.  The afternoon-long event, held in the new Stieren Theater, included a multimedia presentation by Professor Doug Brackenridge, titled "A Tale of Three Cities."  Brackenridge traced the evolution of Trinity from its early roots in Tehuacana to the current Skyline campus.  Keynote speaker was Kathleen Hall Jamieson, professor and dean, Anneberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania.  A noted author and regular

Festivities included a black-tie inaugural dinner Friday, February 11, where some 450 guests greeted the new president and his family.  Saturday morning, delegates from more than 150 colleges and universities across the country began assembling in Chapman Center.  After an elegant lunch, delegates, faculty, and trustees donned their academic regalia for the impressive procession into Laurie Auditorium.  After the invocation delivered by the Rev. J. Benton White from San Jose University and the

President Brazil (right) speaks to Dr. Coleen Grissom (far left).

Charlie Manzanares gives his inaugural greetings.

national anthem led by Trinity Professor Linda McNeil, Trinity Board Chairman, James F. Dicke II '68 welcomed guests and introduced the platform party.  Official greetings were delivered by Dr. Lee Fritschler, from the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., representing higher education; Professor Sarah Burke representing the Trinity faculty and staff; senior Charlie Manzanares representing the student body; Lowell Keig '85 representing Trinity's 20,000+ alumni; and Rev. Judy Fletcher, executive director, The Synod of the Sun, representing the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Chairman Dicke charged President Brazil with his responsibilities and conferred upon him the traditional symbols of office--the presidential medallion and the University mace.  After delivering his inaugural address, Dr. Brazil asked the assembly to join him in singing the alma mater.  Trinity Trustee Reverend Louis Zbinden delivered the benediction and the recessional began.  Guests and participants gathered in the Ruth Taylor courtyard for a reception afterwards.

Chairman Dicke (middle) addresses President Brazil (left).

Two members of Sigma Theta Tau sorority help themselves to some food at the "Big Bang."

Students watch the fireworks display from the football field.

The weekend concluded with a special student event, "The Big Bang."  A large tent was erected on the football field and students were treated to dinner, dancing to a popular swing band and--the actual Big Bang--an impressive fireworks display.  It was considered a fitting finale to a significant event in the life of the University.

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