Inauguration of President Douglas Hicks 2023 Dignitaries on stage during the ceremony

Presidential Inauguration

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The Inauguration of the 19th President of ʳɫ¹ÙÍø, Douglas A. Hicks '90, took place Friday, March 31, 2023.

ʳɫ¹ÙÍø was delighted to host a series of community events and celebrations at the end of March, culminating in the inauguration of Doug Hicks as the 19th President of ʳɫ¹ÙÍø on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

This was an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on our history, envision our future, and have fun. 

ʳɫ¹ÙÍø Inaugurates Douglas A. Hicks ʳɫ¹ÙÍø™90

Schedule of Events & Celebrations

Campus Block Party

Wednesday, March 29

6ʳɫ¹ÙÍø“10 p.m.

Alvarez College Union

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This event is open to the campus community.

  • Music in Brown Atrium featuring student, faculty, and staff bands.
  • Ping-pong,Ìýchess matches and special-themed Trivia Night ʳɫ¹ÙÍø” with President Hicks.
  • Food trucks in the Alvarez College Union parking lot.

Unveiling the Commemoration Design Concept

Thursday, March 30

11:05 a.m. ʳɫ¹ÙÍø“12:05 p.m.

Duke Family Performance Hall

Open to the public.

  • Unveiling of plans for the Commemoration Memorial honoring enslaved laborers and others whose labor was exploited.
  • President Hicks will moderate a conversation with the artist, architect, and members of the commemoration committee.

Symposium: Envisioning Our Future

A Conversation with Faculty, Alumni, & President Hicks

Friday, March 31

11:30Ìýa.m. ʳɫ¹ÙÍø“12:30Ìýp.m.Ìý

Duke Family Performance Hall

Open to the public.

  • The Honorable Anthony Foxx ʳɫ¹ÙÍø™93 and Mary Tabb Mack ʳɫ¹ÙÍø˜84Ìýwill join Professors Patricio Boyer, Hilary Green, Kristi Multhaup, and President Doug Hicks ʳɫ¹ÙÍø™90 to discuss how Davidsonʳɫ¹ÙÍø™s past and present can shape our future, and how we prepare for the changing nature of work and society.

Inauguration Ceremony

Friday, March 31

2:30ʳɫ¹ÙÍø“4 p.m.

(doors open at 1:30 p.m.)

Belk Arena and also via livestream

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Open to the public. Guests are kindly asked to

  • Music from students; inaugural poem composed and delivered by an alum.
  • Alumni and Trustee representatives; delegates from colleges and universities across the country; greetings from public officials.
  • Formal investiture ceremony.
  • Inaugural address delivered by President Hicks.

Community Celebration

Friday, March 31

4ʳɫ¹ÙÍø“8 p.m.

Richardson Stadium field and Alvarez College Union patio

Open to the public.ÌýGuests are kindly asked to

  • DJ serves up music through the decades (4 to 6 p.m.)
  • Popular indie band ʳɫ¹ÙÍø” stay tuned! (6 to 8 p.m.)
  • Giveaways, food, drinks,Ìýice cream, and games!