Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--An overwhelming response to Friday's [Oct. 16] investiture ceremonies for Mississippi State President Mark Keenum is expected to fill Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium to near capacity.
"We're delighted that so many university, community, and state participants want to be a part of this significant event," said investiture chair Amy Tuck. "If overflow locations are required, we're fully prepared to accommodate everyone and to ensure they have an 'up-close' experience through live, televised coverage from the auditorium."
Overflow venues include the Foster Ballroom of the adjacent Colvard Student Union and Parker Ballroom of the Hunter Henry Center, located on the western edge of campus. Both the 7:30 a.m. worship service in the Chapel of Memories and noon ceremony formally installing the land-grant institution's 19th president will be broadcast to both locations by the University Television Center.
Public proceedings also will be telecast on local cable channel 98, as well as streamed live to www.msstate.edu, MSU's Web site.
"For the overflow locations, we're providing light snacks and soft drinks so guests can be comfortable while they're viewing the proceedings," Tuck said.
An investiture information desk is being located inside the union's main entrance, and shuttles will provide continuous transportation from west-side public parking areas at the Palmeiro Center and nearby Howell Building to investiture locations.
The Keenum family will receive guests during a 9 a.m. public reception, also in the union's Foster Ballroom.
"While on campus, we encourage visitors to stop by Mitchell Memorial Library to see exhibits that coincide with the investiture," Tuck added.
"The entire MSU community has pulled together to make this a very special day in the life of our university, and we hope everyone who attends will experience the excitement and energy the campus feels as we've prepared for this event," she added.