Inauguration of James W. Schmotter, Ph.D.
On April 15, 2005, Western Connecticut State University did something it has done only seven times in its more-than-100-year history: inaugurate a new president.
It was with great excitement and expectation that Dr. James W. Schmotter was officially installed as the university’s eighth president at a ceremony in the William A. O’Neill Athletic and Convocation Center on WestConn’s Westside campus.
To commemorate the significance of the event, the university offered a full schedule of activities beginning Saturday, April 9, and leading up to and after the ceremony. Schmotter’s chosen inaugural theme was “Changing Lives,” so many of the Inaugural Week events served to celebrate the impact WestConn has had on its students and the Greater Danbury community.
Throughout the week, faculty, staff, students and local residents joined to celebrate their individual accomplishments, group achievements, and common future goals. It was clear during the festivities that Western Connecticut State University has changed lives in a very positive way — and will continue to do so under its eighth president’s leadership.
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