Complete Event Listing

The Samford University community is uniting to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. Beck A. Taylor as the university's 19th president with a variety of upcoming events.

Taylor chose Ephesians 3:16-19 as the scriptural theme for inaugural events because the passage underscores love as a core virtue and foundation for the values expressed in Samford’s motto and mission: For God. For Learning. Forever.

Samford’s Inauguration Steering Committee is hosting two events ahead of the formal installation service. Samford University’s 10 colleges and schools are also supporting the inauguration through events around the theme "Rooted and Grounded in Love."

Justice: Rooted and Grounded in Love
October 18, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Cooney Hall - Regions Room

Lunch and Learn opportunity presented by Cumberland School of Law. Judge John Carroll and Professor LaJuana Davis will address the vital mission and work of Cumberland School of Law's Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic and Innocence Project.

Character is Destiny: The Value of Personal Ethics in Everyday Life
October 26, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Orlean Bullard Beeson Hall, Room 118

The faculty and staff of Orlean Beeson School of Education will engage in a study of the classic book by Russell W. Gough. Open event: all are welcome, even if you haven’t read the book.

Empathy: Rooted and Grounded in Love
October 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Seibert Gym

In the poverty simulation, hosted by the School of Public Health, participants will experience the challenges faced by a family living in poverty in the United States. Reservations required.

Samford Medallion Awards
November 1, 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Jane Hollock Brock Recital Hall

Authorized by the Samford University Board of Trustees in 2006, the Samford Medallion award recognizes persons whose good works have made a difference in society, in community affairs, in the life of the church, and in the quality of life for individuals. Convocation credit is available for students registered before November 1.

Praise: Rooted and Grounded in Love
November 2, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Reid Chapel

Join us for an evening of worship as we gather to sing and celebrate the Gospel story. The newly-formed Samford Worship Team, in collaboration with Samford’s Worship Arts Ensemble, will guide us through a special service of singing, scripture and prayer. This event is free and open to the public.

Presidential Inauguration Ceremony
November 4, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Wright Center

The inauguration ceremony for Samford's 19th President, Dr. Beck A. Taylor, will combine pomp and historic formality of academic ceremony with Samford University’s proud 180-year tradition and elements of Christian worship. Tickets are required. Convocation credit is available for students registered before November 1.

Presidential Inaugural Ball
November 4, 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Seibert Hall

Delegates and honored guests are invited to join Samford University students, faculty and staff for the Presidential Inaugural Ball hosted by the Student Government Association.

Business: Rooted and Grounded in Love
November 5

Brock School of Business will host its inaugural Advisory Board Summit including 150 members of the school’s Dean’s Advisory Board and six additional advisory boards that reflect various disciplines. President Beck A. Taylor will address the business school’s board members during the half-day networking summit. Invitation only.

Leadership: Rooted and Grounded in Love
November 5
College of Health Sciences, Room 1222

This Health Care Leadership Symposium sponsored by the College of Health Sciences offers the opportunity for alumni who work within the health care industry a time of fellowship, as well as the chance to hear from Dorinda Cale ’96, Pharm.D. ‘97, a pharmacy alumnus and vice president of pharmacy services at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Registration required.

Worship: Rooted and Grounded in Love
November 6, 10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Hodges Chapel

Alumni and friends of Beeson Divinity School will gather for worship during Homecoming Weekend at 10:15 a.m. in Hodges Chapel with Dr. Frank Thielman preaching and Brian and Renee Pitts leading music. Open to the public.

Fellowship: Rooted and Grounded in Love
November 6, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Quad

Howard College of Arts and Sciences will host a BBQ lunch for alumni, students and faculty at 11:30 a.m. on the quad.