The weeklong inaugration celebration began with a UWM book drive for Hartford Avenue School and Lloyd Barbee School, where Chancellor Gibson and volunteers read to kindergarteners. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Students celebrated the inauguration of Chancellor Gibson at the Inaugu-Roll, a roller disco party in Spaights Plaza outside of the UWM Student Union. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Chancellor Thomas Gibson and his daughter Kennedy pose for a photo at the roller-skating disco party in Spaights Plaza. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
A drone show lights up the sky over Engelmann Stadium, featuring formations inspired by iconic UWM and Milwaukee images. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
UWM students sit on a blanket on the soccer field at Engelmann Stadium while enjoying the drone show. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Dignitaries clap as Thomas Gibson is inaugurated the 10th chancellor in UWM’s 70 year history in a ceremony Friday at the Zelazo Center. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)
Chancellor Thomas Gibson takes a selfie with faculty member Sheri Williams Pannell, associate professor of theater at UWM. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Chancellor Thomas Gibson's brother from the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity (specifically the Beta Omicron Sigma chapter) came to the inauguration to support and celebrate him. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Pounce Panther and a drumline from Rufus King High School greet Chancellor Thomas Gibson and his wife, Brigette, as they enter the UWM Student Union for the inaugural reception. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
On the 70th anniversary of its founding, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee inaugurated its 10th chancellor, Thomas Gibson. Embracing both the honor and responsibility of the role, Gibson called on the university community to “Always Dream Bigger,” the theme of his inauguration.
The weeklong celebration began with a UWM book drive for Hartford Avenue School and Lloyd Barbee School, where Gibson and volunteers read to kindergarteners. Festivities continued with a roller-skating disco party in Spaights Plaza, attended by Gibson and his daughter, followed by a spectacular drone show over Engelmann Stadium featuring formations inspired by iconic UWM and Milwaukee images.
The week culminated with the inauguration ceremony at the UWM Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts. Delegates from academic institutions across the country joined UWM faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to mark the occasion. Emceed by Visit Milwaukee President and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith, the ceremony celebrated Gibson’s leadership and UWM’s future.
A reception at the UWM Student Union brought the week’s festivities to a close.
