WHO: Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., president of Shawnee State University

WHAT: Shawnee State University (SSU) will officially install the fifth president in the institution’s 17-year history at its presidential inauguration.

WHEN: TOMORROW, October 31, 2003:

1. Academic processional begins at 11:45 a.m. through the center of campus. Professors, administrators, and delegates will march wearing their academic regalia from the Advanced Technology Center to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

2. The installation ceremony begins at noon in the Main Theater of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on the SSU Campus. This event is free and open to the public.

3. A reception follows in the Selby Grand Lobby of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

4. Campus tours, planetarium shows, and faculty/student academic demonstrations will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. These events are free and open to the public.

5. The SSU Masquerade Party will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight in the gymnasium of the James A Rhodes Athletic Center. Costumes are optional. The cost to attend this event is $25 per person.

WHY: Morris began her tenure as president of SSU on May 27, 2003. The presidential installation is an opportunity for faculty, staff, administrators, students, alumni, and members of the community to come together to reflect on the progress SSU has made since its creation, and a time to rededicate oneself to making the university the best institution possible. The celebration of new leadership provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the entire university, and its importance to the city of Portsmouth, Scioto County, all of southern Ohio and the Tri-State area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (740) 351-3810.