Steven Bridges was inaugurated as the university’s fifth president in Liberty Arena on Oct. 16. The inauguration was a celebration of his ascension to the presidency. His tenure officially began on April 2 of this year.

Music at the inauguration was performed by the Evansville Brass Quintet, the university’s Chamber Choir, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) Honors Choir and the Evansville Philharmonic Choir. Thomas Drury, advanced instructor in music, accompanied the choirs on piano.

The inauguration celebration was opened by Kindra Strupp, vice president for marketing and communication. Cory Bridges, son of Steven Bridges, offered some contemplation on his father’s journey to become the president. Cory had many fond memories to share about his father’s commitment to the university and the greater Evansville community.

After the speech, cadets of the university’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) posted the colors. Speeches were given by faculty, and state and local governments congratulated President Bridges on his inauguration. Speakers included Marilyn Schmidt, the woman who first hired President Bridges as a staff accountant at the university, and Stephanie Terry, mayor of Evansville. Governor Mike Braun was unable to attend, but did send a video message offering his congratulations.

President Bridges was then given his investiture of office and spoke to the audience about his goals for his presidency. After his speech, the USI Chamber Choir sang “Constant, Faithful and True,” USI’s alma mater. The ROTC cadets retrieved the colors, and the inauguration attendees left the gymnasium for a lunch provided by the university.