The Countdown to 19 — a series of events and activities that will culminate with the formal investiture ceremony of Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D., as Mercer University’s 19th president on Oct. 29 — kicks off on Oct. 9 with Family Weekend.
Guided by the inaugural theme — One Mercer: United in Mission, Amplified for Impact — the Countdown to 19 celebration will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University to honor Mercer’s rich heritage, celebrate student achievement, amplify its mission and impact, and look ahead to a bright future under Elkins’ leadership.
The countdown starts Oct. 9 with the Family Weekend ice cream social with the president. Mercer students, faculty, staff and registered Family Weekend attendees are invited to indulge in sweet treats between 5 and 6:30 p.m. at the Godsey Science Center on the Macon campus. Then, the celebration continues with Cubstock, a student talent show, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Toney Auditorium. Mercer families can register for Family Weekend here.
Also, no matter where you are, don’t forget to wear your orange and black for Be the Bear Fridays. Each month, the University will recognize the most creative and spirited participants with the Toby trophy. To participate, post a photo on social media showing off your school spirit using #BeTheBearFridays.
Here’s what else is planned for the Countdown to 19 over the next week:
Oct. 10
Family Weekend
Football Tailgating
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Black Field (Macon)
- Football tailgating info
Mercer Bears Football vs. Western Carolina
- 3 p.m.
- Five Star Stadium (Macon)
- Football game tickets
Oct. 11
Family Weekend Tower Tours
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Historic Quad (Macon)
- Registered family weekend attendees only
- Tower tours event info
Oct. 12
Library Displays
- Swilley Library (Atlanta)
- Tarver Library (Macon)
19 Picks for President Elkins
- Noon-2 p.m.
- Mercer Innovation Center (Macon)
- Mercer faculty and staff only
McDonald Center Fall Speaker Series
- 6-7 p.m.
- Presidents Dining Room, University Center (Macon)
- McDonald Center Fall Speaker Series event info
Oct. 13
19 Picks for President Elkins
- Noon-2 p.m.
- Student Affairs Breezeway (Atlanta)
- Mercer faculty and staff only
Chai & Chat
- 3 p.m.
- Mercer Innovation Center (Macon) | Student Affairs Building (Atlanta)
- Mercer students, faculty and staff
Oct. 14
Student Success — Popcorn & Positivity
- 1-3 p.m.
- Cruz Plaza (Macon)
- Mercer students only
Oct. 15
Academic and Advising Services — First Year Unscripted
- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Cruz Plaza (Macon) | Lower Quad (Atlanta)
- Mercer students only
Paws & Presidential Pause
- Noon-1 p.m.
- Lower Quad (Atlanta)
- Mercer students, faculty and staff
Cocktails with the Bears and United Way Kickoff
- 5:30 p.m.
- Administration Conference Center (Atlanta)
- Mercer faculty, staff and students only
- Cocktails with Bears event info
For more information about the investiture, a listing of inauguration events, Countdown to 19 activities and more, visit inauguration.mercer.edu.
