SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The inauguration of Dr. Carol A. Taylor as Evangel University’s fourth president will be held during homecoming weekend, Oct. 9-11. The theme is “Celebrate: Called to Serve!”
The inauguration will be a major milestone in the university’s 59-year history. Events will include a pre-inaugural reception and dinner on Thursday evening, Oct. 9; the installation ceremony on Friday morning, Oct. 10; and an inaugural luncheon on Friday following the ceremony.
Taylor is an accomplished administrator, having served as president of Vanguard University in California, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Vanguard, vice provost for undergraduate education at Biola University, and 12 years in executive management at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey.
Guests from universities across the country will be in attendance, in addition to many of Taylor’s colleagues from throughout her professional career. Special events include a leadership panel featuring successful Evangel alumni.
Homecoming events will include class reunion dinners, themed events for the whole family and Evangel football on Saturday evening.
INAUGURAL EVENTS
Thursday, Oct. 9
2-4 p.m. — Alumni Leadership Panel: Four of EU’s accomplished alumni will share their perspective on the topic of service. The event will take place in the Evangel University Spence Chapel. It is free and open to the public.
- Dr. Barry Corey — President of Biola University in La Mirada, California
- Rev. Steve Donaldson — Co-founder and senior director of Rural Compassion, an international relief organization of Convoy of Hope
- Rev. Wayne Tesch — Co-founder of Royal Family KIDS, Inc., the nation’s leading network of kids’ camps and mentor clubs
- Dr. Candace (Peterson) Wicke — Founder, president and executive director of Continuo Arts Foundation in Westfield, New Jersey
- Jim Anderson, moderator— Vice president of marketing and public affairs, CoxHealth. Anderson formerly served as president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for 26 years.
6-9 p.m. — Pre-inaugural Reception & Dinner: This event will be held at the White River Convention Center. (Invitation only)
Friday, Oct. 10
10-11:30 a.m. — Installation Ceremony: The ceremony for the installation of Dr. Carol A. Taylor will take place in the Evangel University Spence Chapel. The event is free and open to the public, and it will be live-streamed on the following site: www.evangel.edu/spiritual-life/chapel/chapel-video
12:30–2:30 p.m. — President’s Club Inaugural Luncheon: The event will take place at the University Plaza Hotel. (Invitation only)
HOMECOMING EVENTS
Thursday, Oct. 9
8-9:30 p.m. — Concert on the Lawn: Evangel University’s Jazz Orchestra and HeartSong will perform a concert on the university’s quad. The event is free and open to the public.
Friday, Oct. 10
3:30-6:30 p.m. — EU County Fair: Sponsored by the EU Activities Board, the County Fair will entertain homecoming attendees of all ages. The Western-themed event will include food, fun and live music on Evangel’s quad. This event is for registered homecoming guests.
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Alumni Reunion Dinners: These dinners will be held at the University Plaza Hotel and will allow for alumni to reconnect with classmates and share a meal together. This is a ticketed event. The cost is $15 per person.
8-9 p.m. — EU’s Got Talent: Back for its fourth year, EU’s Got Talent is a competition that showcases some of the greatest student talent at the university. The event will take place in the Evangel University Spence Chapel. This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, Oct. 11
9 a.m. — 5K Run/Walk for a Cause: This 5K will benefit feedONE, an organization that is part of Convoy of Hope. The event will begin west of EU’s clock tower. Registration for this event is $20 for individuals or $50 for a family of three or more. To register, visit http://homecoming.evangel.edu/
12-1:30 p.m. — Celebration Luncheon: This luncheon, to be held at the University Plaza Convention Center, will be a time to present alumni awards and Trees of Honor recognitions and hear from President Taylor. This is a ticketed event. The cost is $15 per person.
6 p.m. — Homecoming Football Game: The Crusaders will take on Avila University at JFK Stadium. The game is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for adults, and children 12 and under are free.
To register for these events, visit http://homecoming.evangel.edu/. For more information, contact University Advancement at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7333.