By Evan Filandrianos, Currier Times Staff///

The Inauguration of Jay Gonzalez, the 15th present of Curry College, is right around the corner, and it is time to appreciate all the effort that went into preparing for it.

The Ceremony will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., in the Katz Gym within the Student Center at our Milton Campus.

The event will be an uplifting moment for the college and feature students in many aspects of the program, according to Liz Matson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

One of the speakers, Communication major, Lexi Meader, will be Master of Ceremonies for the main event.

“I’m thrilled!” said Meader. “I think it says a lot about Curry and Jay Gonzalez that he requested a student to MC the event. This is my last semester at Curry and I’m excited to MC this event as a sort of goodbye and love letter to Curry.”

Nathan Sinclair, a junior majoring in Computer Science, will be also be a major speaker.

Although the day is specifically for Gonzalez’s Inauguration, delegates from different universities and colleges will also be in attendance. These include Presidents from different schools such as Lasell University, Bridgewater State, Salem State, Roxbury Community College, and Berklee College of Music.

Other official representatives that will be in attendance will be from Harvard University, Wesleyan University, Dartmouth College, Emmanuel College, Bowdoin College,and Loyola University in New Orleans.

A former president from Northeastern will be attending as well.

Given Gonzalez’s extensive experience in education, law, government, business leadership, and advocacy, it’s no wonder why delegates from universities would want to be in attendance during the ceremony, not to mention his kind-hearted demeanor being filled with friendliness.

Gonzalez recently served in partnership at the law firm, Hinckley Allen, where he represented towns, cities, assisting with governmental projects and governmental programs. He provided strategic and political advice to the Massachusetts State College Building Authority; it provided financing for different projects within community college campuses and state university campuses.

The Inauguration will feature various events throughout its schedule. The event will first feature a campus showcase from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with tours that will highlight initiatives and infrastructure across the Curry campus.

Highlights will include the School of Nursing SIM Labs, PAL Assistive Technology Center, and the Think TANK Design Studio.

Bell Residence Hall will showcase the idea of a living/learning environment. The Forensics Science Lab will highlight one of Curry’s newest majors and buildings.

For Communication, the major that started the college 145 years ago, the WMLN-FM Radio station and CC8-TV studios will be highlighted.

The Learning Commons, the Levin Library Makerspace, and the Student Center will also be on the tour, with the new Esports Lounge expected to be another highlight.

A symposium will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., “Answering the Call for Neurodiverse Students.” The event will focus on the importance of supporting neurodiverse students, and neurodiverse employees. The symposium hopes to “unlock” the potential for the contributions neurodiverse workers add to the employment base.

Then comes the inauguration ceremony, with the procession beginning at 2:30 p.m. and the Ceremony beginning at 3:00 p.m., lasting until around 4:00 p.m. If you cannot attend, do not fret; the ceremony portion will be live-streamed and recorded, go to this link to watch.

Last, the post-inauguration reception will begin around 4:00 p.m. and end around 5:30 p.m, where the action will move to Westhaver Park.

The event will feature appetizers, a beer garden, food trucks, music from our WMLN radio, and more!

Curry students across campus said it will be a great day.

“I think the new president is going to make exciting changes and have a positive impact on the community,” said Doreen Kelly, a junior Nursing major.

Taylor Tibbetts, a junior Nursing major added, “I feel excited that we’re ushering this new movement to Curry. He has big plans and great ideas. I’m excited to see what he will do!”

Members of the class “SING!” and Pure Vocals will perform at various points throughout the event.

Three videos will feature various students, their stories, photos, and more.

And we cannot forget about Graham, the puppy! He has the important role of bringing the medallion to Gonzalez.

Megan Knox, a sophomore Nursing major, said President Gonzalez has already made a mark.

“A great fit into our close knit community,” said Knox. “Always a positive face to see!”