The inauguration ceremony for President Frederick G. Slabach will be a community celebration of a new leader and of the continued success and growth of Fort Worth's oldest university. The much-anticipated event, set for Jan. 27, will feature former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as the keynote speaker.

What is unique about the inauguration is that the University is not paying for it out of the operational budget. Instead, Slabach is working with senior staff members to raise the funds externally.President Slabach's plan to raise money for the inauguration is a great source of encouragement,” Marcel Kerr, faculty chair and inauguration subcommittee chair, said.

"As a faculty member, this tells me that our president has created relationships in our community that are resulting in a new appreciation of and commitment to our mission in Fort Worth," Kerr said. The ceremony will provide positive exposure for the University as well as long-term benefits. Wesleyan's family - alumni, friends and community leaders - will unite for this special occasion. First and foremost, the inauguration is an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones," Slabach said. Joe Brown, dean of freshman success, said the event will showcase Wesleyan as an important identity in Fort Worth and the Metroplex.

"The inauguration of Fred Slabach is a major opportunity to celebrate and bring attention to the history and heritage of Texas Wesleyan. This is an extraordinary event in the life of our University, especially given the presence of Madeleine Albright," Brown said.

Kerr said the event's importance reaches beyond President Slabach’s inauguration - it also spotlights Texas Wesleyan's thriving learning community. "This is a very exciting time for Texas Wesleyan, and the presidential inauguration is an opportunity for us to showcase how we invest in our community's young adults and adult learners," Kerr said.