Xavier University to Inaugurate New President Dr. C. Reynold Verret February 25, 2016

Dr. C. Reynold Verret

WEEK OF EVENTS TO CELEBRATE INAUGURATION OF NEW PRESIDENT OF XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA

Dr. C. Reynold Verret to Share Bold Vision for Historically Black, Catholic University

WHAT:    

Xavier University will celebrate the inauguration of C. Reynold Verret PhD as its sixth president beginning February 22, 2016 and culminating with an investiture the morning of February 26.

A full schedule of events and registration is open at xula.edu/inauguration.

Note: Some events are by invitation only or require pre-registration. Members of the media are invited to cover all events, key media opportunities include:

Inauguration Mass
Thursday, February 25
4 p.m.
St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, Xavier University

Investiture
Friday February 26, 2016
11 a.m.
Convocation Center, Xavier University

WHO:    

• President C. Reynold Verret, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Ambassador Paul G. Altidor, Haiti’s Ambassador to the U.S.
• Congressman Cedric Richmond, U.S. House of Representatives
• Mayor Mitch Landrieu, City of New Orleans
• Sister Donna Breslin, Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
• Xavier University’s Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff, Students
• 1,000+ registered guests

WHERE:    The campus of Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, La. 

WHY:

Dr. C. Reynold Verret was unanimously elected the sixth president of Xavier University by the Board of Trustees last spring and began on July 1, 2015. Dr. Verret joined Xavier from Savannah State University where he served as provost and chief academic officer.

Dr. Verret is a higher education proven leader, an expert in STEM education, a champion of Liberal Arts and the Humanities as well as a widely respected bio-chemist. He  served in teaching, research and senior administrative roles at several universities, including Tulane University, Wilkes University, the University of the Sciences, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Verret has served on many professional organizations and advisory bodies, including those of the National Institutes of Health, the Board of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, and the Georgia Coastal Indicators Coalition. 

Born in Haiti, Dr. Verret and his family fled to the United States in 1963 to seek refuge from the atrocities of President François Duvalier, settling in Brooklyn, New York. He earned an undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Columbia University and a PhD. in biochemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

OTHER INAUGURAL EVENTS:

Students First, An Inauguration Celebration
Monday, February 22, 2016, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
University Center, Xavier University

Black History Month Convocation: A Tribute to Haitian Art and Culture
Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 12:15 p.m.
Convocation Center, Xavier University

Here is Where You Turn Back: Performing New Orleans through Literature, Music, and Art
Thursday, February 25, 6:30 p.m.
Administration Auditorium, Xavier University
(Limited Seating / Ticket Required; Doors open at 6:15 p.m.)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

• Jacques Morial – (504) 315-5388 or jacquesmorial@gmail.com
• Todd Ragusa – (504) 330.2202 or todd@ragusaconsulting.com

ABOUT XAVIER UNIVERSITY:    

Xavier University of Louisiana, founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is the only Catholic and historically Black higher education institution in North America.

The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society.  This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

Xavier is recognized as the top producer of African American undergraduates continuing to complete medical school and one of the top three producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients. Xavier ranks first nationally in the number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees in biology and life sciences, chemistry, physics and pharmacy.

More at http://www.xula.edu/.