The inauguration of Frederick G. Slabach as the 20th president of Texas Wesleyan University was a day of celebration – both for the institution’s leader and the bright future of the University. A sunny day was very welcoming to the nearly 1,200 guests who attended the investiture ceremony last Friday.

“I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and am gratified that our campus community and visitors from near and far could attend,” Slabach said. “I am especially grateful to all of our donors who made this day possible.” 

Slabach and senior administrators raised more than $100,000 so that all expenses would be paid through private funding rather than through the University’s operating budget. Louella and Nicholas Martin and Dee and Janice Kelly were gold sponsors and the Martins served as honorary hosts for the inaugural gala on Thursday night. Silver sponsors were Bank of Texas, AT&T, Anne Street Skipper, OmniAmerican Bank, Thos. S. Byrne, Higginbotham & Associates, Freese and Nichols and City of Burleson. 

Additionally, Texas Wesleyan administrators, trustees, and community leaders supported the event as members of the host committee. 

Staging for the event was designed and created by members of Texas Wesleyan’s theatre department and music was performed by members of our music department. Polytechnic High School’s JROTC graciously provided the color guard for the ceremony. 

“Fred Slabach has a clear vision for this university’s future based on what is best for students,” Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright said in her keynote address, “including small classes, a regular dialogue between undergraduates and faculty, a commitment to lifelong learning, and an emphasis on critical thinking.” 

Watch the inauguration online, or view photos from the event on Facebook.