On Thursday, Oct. 7, Newman University will celebrate the inauguration of President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, the university’s 12th president to serve in the role.
Jagger began her first presidential year in July 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Despite the worldwide challenges and uncertainty, Jagger led the university with a graceful and calm demeanor. COVID postponed her formal inauguration in 2020.
To commemorate and recognize Jagger’s commitment to the university, Newman will hold multi-day events Oct. 3-9. Students, faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to help celebrate this exciting occasion!
Sunday, Oct. 3 – Student Mass & Picnic (in honor of Dr. Jagger)
Join us for a special inauguration day Mass followed by an outside picnic at 5 p.m. in St. John’s Chapel, Sacred Heart Hall.
Monday, Oct. 4 – Jet Monday with Presidential Donuts
Inauguration Week gets a sweet start with presidential donuts at 9 a.m. in the Heritage Room in Sacred Heart Hall.
Tuesday, Oct. 5
Root Beer Floats, Q&A with Dr. Jagger
Get to know the Newman president over root beer floats at a fun Q&A ice cream social with Dr. Jagger from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center. All staff and faculty are welcome. This event is sponsored by Staff Assembly and Faculty Senate.
Alumni Social Hour
All Newman alumni are invited to enjoy complimentary food and drinks at a social hour presented by the Newman Alumni Association. The happy hour will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center.
Wednesday, Oct. 6
Mission Luncheon (faculty & staff event)
A faculty and staff mission luncheon will be offered at noon in the Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center.
Student Snack Social with Dr. Jagger
The Newman Campus Activities Board and Student Government Association are hosting a student snack social with Dr. Jagger from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Dugan-Gorges Conference Center.
Thursday, Oct. 7 – Inauguration Day
Inaugural Eucharistic Liturgy
The Eucharistic Inauguration will be held at 10 a.m. in St. John’s Chapel in Sacred Heart Hall.
View the live Eucharist event online here.
Luncheons
The guest, faculty and staff luncheons will take place 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the west dining room of the Mabee Dining Center.
The invite-only Presidential Luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Tarcisia Roths ASC Alumni Center.
Installation Ceremony
The Presidential Installment Ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in the De Mattias Performance Hall.
View the live Presidential Installment Ceremony event online here.
Reception
The Presidential Reception will follow the installment ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at the Heritage Plaza (south side of Gorges Atrium).
Friday, Oct. 8
Cheer on our Lady Jets volleyball players as they take on Northwest Missouri State at 6 p.m. in the Fugate Gymnasium in O’Shaunessey Hall.
Then, travel over to Wilkin’s Soccer Field at 7 p.m. to cheer on the Lady Jets soccer players as they compete against Central Missouri State.
Saturday, Oct. 9
Come cheer on our Lady Jets volleyball players as they take on Missouri Western State at 3 p.m. in the Fugate Gymnasium in O’Shaunessey Hall.
View or download the full calendar of Inauguration Week events:
About President Jagger
Jagger earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She has a Master of Public Health degree from Harvard School of Public Health and her baccalaureate degree from DePauw University. Prior teaching and administrative experience includes DePauw, Transylvania University and St. Thomas More University. Jagger is married to Dr. Jim Jagger, who formerly served as director of athletic medicine and team doctor for athletics at the University of Kentucky. They have two adult sons.
A year in the making: Dr. Jagger’s first year as Newman president
From establishing the Student Cabinet and offering the first-ever Newman doctorate programs, to building the Catholic Promise and Catholic Leaders of Tomorrow grants, President Jagger has accomplished many feats in her first year as president.
