Stephens College to inaugurate new president

COLUMBIA — A Red Sock Hop on Wednesday evening kicks off Stephens College's celebration of the inauguration of Dianne Lynch as its 24th president. The event, for Stephens students only, is a nod to Lynch, who has often worn red shoes to work since starting in June.

Other events for the celebration:

• "Democracy and the Uninformed Community," a keynote address by Alberto Ibarguen, president and chief executive officer of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, 4 p.m. Thursday in Windsor Auditorium, 1405 E. Broadway.
  
• "The Future of American Journalism," panel discussion beginning immediately after the keynote and concluding at 6 p.m. Panelists are Jacqui Banaszynski, Knight Chair in Journalism, Missouri School of Journalism; Vicki Russell, associate publisher of the Columbia Daily Tribune; Kerri Yost, assistant professor in Stephens' department of film and media; and Rachel Gaynes, editor in chief of Stephens Life. 
• "Ah, Wilderness," a production by Stephens' theatre department of the Eugene O'Neill play, 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Macklanburg Playhouse, 100 Willis Ave.

• "Parade of Stars," 9 a.m. Friday, beginning on Walnut Street near Dearing Hall, looping around campus and ending at Walnut Street and College Avenue. Thirty-two student groups are participating. The Ghost of Historic Senior Hall will make an appearance on horseback.
• Installation ceremony for Lynch, 10 a.m. Friday in the Kimball Ballroom, Lela Raney Wood Hall. By invitation only.
• Picnic, 11:30 a.m. or after the ceremony Friday, Journey Plaza. In case of rain, the picnic will be moved to Stamper Commons. Open to the public. 
• Academic symposium featuring the work of about 30 students and departments, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday in various areas around the campus including Kimball Ballroom, the Costume Museum and Research Library, the PC and Mac labs in Hugh Stephens Library, Fleming Studio and Charters Corridor in Hugh Stephens Library, Davis Art Gallery and the Columbia Foyer of Windsor Auditorium. Open to the public.
  

The Stephens College inauguration Web site has extra information, including a link to Lynch's blog, "Amazing Women." A profile of Lynch will appear in Vox magazine, inserted in Thursday's Missourian, and available free around Columbia and at VoxMagazine.com.