Like the controlled chaos surrounding the opening of a Broadway show, the preparations for the inauguration of Chancellor Marty Meehan are building to a crescendo. The week of inaugural activities is here corner and, with seemingly every department and office lending a hand, the excitement of participating in this historic moment seems to be contagious.

“So many people are working to showcase the strengths of the University during Inauguration week,” says Chief Public Affairs Officer Patti McCafferty, co-chair of the Campus Inaugural Steering Committee.  “The campus community is demonstrating the pride it has for this university, and the hope for its future."

McCafferty notes that the week of activities truly demonstrates the inaugural theme: “Building a New Vision Together:  Excellence Through Innovation.”

Starting Monday, March 31, the campus will suspend its normal routine to experience the essence of what makes the University special. Students, faculty, staff and visitors can choose from more than 12 different academic events, three exhibits, two major fundraisers, three concerts and finally — the very reason for the celebration — the official passing of the leadership reins to Chancellor Marty Meehan on Friday, April 4.

The significance of this historic event cannot be overstated.

In the 32 years since Lowell Tech and Lowell State joined to become a university, only three people have taken over as leader  — and the other two had no official inauguration. The last change of leadership was in 1981, when William T. Hogan moved from vice president of Academic Affairs to interim president of the University of Lowell, taking over from the University’s first president, John B. Duff.

The world outside the campus is responding to the excitement as well. With more than $300,000 in commitments in hand already, the inauguration will allow the establishment of one of the largest scholarship funds ever created through one event: the Martin T. Meehan Education Excellence Fund. Alumni, friends, faculty, staff and others have pledged anywhere from $100 to $50,000 to sponsor the inaugural events and raise money for scholarships in Chancellor Meehan’s name (see related story.)

The culmination of the week’s activities will be Friday’s official inauguration ceremony, which will be headlined by U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Gov. Deval Patrick. Students, faculty, staff and friends are encouraged to attend this free event, which will be steeped in academic tradition. Faculty, administrators and delegates from other universities will walk in the procession to honor the occasion, and UMass President Jack Wilson and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Robert Manning will offer greetings.

This 90-minute ceremony at the Recreation Center starts at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a reception at LeLacheur Park. For more information, visit the inauguration website.