Purple & Gold Weekend and Presidential Installation Kicks Off Thursday, April 18 with a Celebration of Student Research

April 14, 2024

Each spring, for more than three decades, Albion College has dedicated an entire day to honoring and celebrating the remarkable achievements of its students who conduct research, scholarship, and creative activity alongside faculty mentors. This Thursday, April 19, marks the 34th Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium and the start of Purple and Gold Weekend and Presidential Installation.

“We have a record breaking number of presentations,” said Jill Mason ‘01, director of libraries and chair of the symposium. “The atrium poster presentation is sure to be packed with excitement. And the platform presentations will impress while covering everything from the BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors to Teotihuacán artifacts and BSDM in art.” Mason noted that this year there are more than 100 student presenters, comprising every department and class year. Also featured this year are 18 management students from Paris management school, Sup De V, L’école Supérieure de Vente, who have partnered with Albion faculty for more than a decade in a cross-cultural business course.

Two platform presentation sessions will occur in Norris Hall 100-104 from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 to 4 p.m., followed by poster presentations in the Science Complex Atrium from 4 to 5 p.m. Visit the Symposium webpage to access the full presentation schedule, times, and locations.

The annual Honors Convocation, recognizing outstanding achievements in teaching and learning, leadership, and service also will be held Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to noon in Goodrich Chapel.

Albion’s Purple & Gold Weekend and Presidential Installation continues Friday, April 19, with Installation Symposia beginning at 8 a.m. in Bobbitt Visual Arts Center, featuring a number of interactive panel discussions led by alumni representing a variety of fields and current and former presidents. Albion faculty and students will lead a special “Spotlight on Albion” event focusing on high impact experiential learning projects from 3 to 7 p.m. in Mudd Learning Center in Stockwell Library.

On Saturday, April 20, the College will officially install Dr. Wayne P. Webster as its 18th president in Goodrich Chapel. The installation procession begins promptly at 9:45 a.m., and will feature nearly 80 alumni class representatives, Albion faculty, trustees, and delegates from colleges, universities, and education associations. A campus luncheon immediately follows the ceremony with celebratory activities throughout the afternoon.

The weekend culminates with the Purple & Gold Ceremony and Alumni Awards, recognizing seven outstanding alumni for significant contributions and achievements. Click here for more on this year’s winners.

For a detailed list of events please visit, albion.edu/purplegold or contact purplegold@albion.edu.