Philip E. Austin will be inaugurated as UConn's 13th president April 17 during ceremonies in Storrs.

Austin, 55, chancellor of the University of Alabama system from 1989 until his arrival at UConn October 1, 1996, will be honored throughout the day, starting with a luncheon for major donors in the Student Union Ballroom and ending with a public reception in the Student Union Lobby from 4-5:30 p.m.

In between, he will be officially inaugurated during formal ceremonies in Jorgensen Auditorium, starting at 2:30 p.m.

The event will be austere. It will feature a speech by Austin and brief comments by Gov. John G. Rowland, legislative leaders, Lewis B. Rome, the chair of the Board of Trustees, and greetings from representatives of the students, alumni, faculty and staff, and the state's congressional delegation. A processional, in full academic regalia, will open the formal ceremonies.

Austin is expected to outline his vision for the University and the key role UConn will play in the future of Connecticut.

Peter Halvorson, the University Marshal, will lead the ceremonies. Dozens of faculty are expected to join the procession, which will be led by Keith Barker, a professor of computer science and engineering and director of the Teaching Institute.

The President's Collar will be placed around Austin's neck as a symbol of his induction. It was first used at UConn in 1964

The plans:

• A luncheon for major donors in the Student Union Ballroom
  
  
• Inauguration ceremony at 2:30 p.m. in Jorgensen Auditorium. University community invited to attend.
  
  
• Public reception in the Student Union Lobby from 4-5:30 p.m.
  
  

RAV