Founders' Day

GAMBIER, Ohio (October 28, 2011)

Founders' Day will take on an historic significance this year when President S. Georgia Nugent is joined by two former presidents for a shared address at the Kenyon Athletic Center.

Former presidents Philip H. Jordan Jr. and Robert A. Oden Jr. return to Gambier on Saturday and, through Tuesday, will meet with friends and former colleagues, tour the campus, and join a panel discussion with Nugent.

"We thought that the conclusion of our recent very successful campaign would present a great moment to bring together the three Kenyon presidents who have guided the College during the past four decades to reflect on the recent history of the College and on their own experiences," Nugent said.

College offices will also be closed on Founders' Day (Tuesday) from 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to encourage attendance by College employees.

Jordan (1975-95) lives in Maine with his wife, Sheila Gray Jordan. Shelia Jordan will read from her collection of poetry during the visit on Monday. She has written two books of poems, Winter Walls: Poems by Sheila Gray Jordan and The China in the Sea. Oden (1995-2002) lives in New Hampshire with his wife, Teresa Johnston Oden. Teresa Oden will discuss her book, Spousework: Partners Supporting Academic Leaders, that same day.

Here is the public schedule for the Three Presidents at Kenyon:

Monday

11:10 a.m. Poetry reading by Sheila Jordan, Cheever Room, Finn House

3:10 p.m. Teresa Oden discusses Spousework: Partners Supporting Academic Leaders, Greenslade Special Collections and Archives, Olin Library

4:15 p.m. Faculty meeting, Higley Auditorium, Higley Hall

7:30 p.m. Panel discussion featuring the three presidents, Community Foundation Theater, Graham Gund Gallery.

Tuesday

11:00 a.m. Founders' Day Convocation, Toan Track, Kenyon Athletic Center