The Inauguration of Thomas Gibson
In the spirit of “Always Dream Bigger,” the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee community will celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Thomas Gibson as UWM’s 10th chancellor.
Friday, September 25, 2026
11 a.m.
Send your congratulations or upload a file with your greeting to Chancellor Gibson.
Ceremony
UWM’s Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
2419 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
Reception
A reception will immediately follow at the UWM Student Union, Wisconsin Conference Center, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., in Milwaukee.
Inauguration Week Events
Sleep Better, Dream Bigger
September 22
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Fireside Lounge, UWM Student Union
Big dreams start with taking care of yourself. You will walk away from this fun and interactive sleep event with new ideas and resources.
Inaugu-Roll: Roller Disco Party
September 22
7 – 9 p.m.
Spaights Plaza
Join us for throwback roller skating games, prizes, and plenty of mac & cheese pizza. This is a roller disco party you won’t want to miss!
Panther Women’s Soccer
September 24
6 p.m.
Engelmann Stadium
Cheer on your Panthers as they take on the Oakland Golden Grizzles!
Drone Show
September 24
8:15 p.m.
Engelmann Stadium
Join us for a sky-high celebration as hundreds of drones light up the night sky with formations inspired by iconic UWM and Milwaukee images.
UWM Doors Open Milwaukee
September 26
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
UWM Campus
Explore labs, get behind-the-scenes access and visit with local makers during this new campus showcase held in partnership with Historic Milwaukee Inc.
Book Drive for K-8 Schools
August 20 – September 25
UWM is organizing a book drive for Hartford Avenue University School and Lloyd Barbee School. We hope to collect 300 books, and on Sept. 22, the books will be delivered to both schools where UWM volunteers will have the chance to read a book to kindergartners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We will share more details later this summer on how to get a ticket.
No.
Yes. Media outlets interested in covering the inauguration are asked to email media-services-team@uwm.edu.
Enhanced security protocols will be in place for the inauguration. These measures will likely include, but are not limited to, credentialing, street closures, screening and an increased security presence in and around event areas. Guests are encouraged to allow extra time for arrival, follow posted signage and comply with instructions from event staff and public safety personnel.
Attendees may park in the Union Garage, which is connected to the Student Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown
700 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Phone: 414-224-7864
Rate: $189/night, plus applicable taxes.
Reservation Information: Guests may book online through Drury Hotels or call 1-800-325-0720 and reference Group Number 10194654.
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown
611 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
Phone: 414-271-6611
Rate: $219/night, plus applicable taxes.
Reservation Information: Guests may reserve through this link.
The Trade Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Official Hotel of Deer District
420 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee
Phone: 414-644-0080
Rate: $269/night, plus applicable taxes.
Reservation Information: Guests may reserve through this link.
For questions, please contact Carolina Svendsen, Office of the Chancellor, at carolina@uwm.edu.
The Chancellor’s Inauguration Platform Party wears regalia on stage. Regalia is rented for those who do not own regalia. If you do not own regalia, please email your height, weight, highest degree and highest degree-granting institution to Tammy Howard at tammyh@uwm.edu.
Please submit information by July 17.
Get to Know Chancellor Gibson
Thomas Gibson believes higher education empowers people to dream bigger. With a background in academic affairs, student affairs and the classroom, he believes universities have a moral obligation to help students achieve their goals and realize their potential. A first-generation college graduate and the first in his family to earn a doctoral degree, Chancellor Gibson understands the transformative power of education. With an eye on the future, he is leading UWM to be a model of a public-serving research university grounded in access, research and community engagement.
Chancellor’s First Year
Get to Know UWM
At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, our students are driven to improve the world around them. Through top academic programs in the arts, health, technology and more, students develop in-demand skills and dive into cutting-edge research. They gain hands-on experience working with businesses and community organizations in the city. As alumni, they use what they’ve learned to make our lives and our world better.
