April.5th marked the end to a week full of events celebrating the newly inaugurated ninth President of Valdosta State University, William McKinney.
The night began with a cocktail hour featuring drinks created by the President and his wife themselves.
Guests were then invited to the university ballroom for dinner and a night of dancing.
Dinner was served in four courses while toasts and speeches were given in President McKinney’s honor.
The room was full of the most prestigious of the University and also special guests such as the President’s wife and sister who both took a turn at the microphone.
“Everyone here knows him as the President, but I know him as a brother” said Kristen McKinney. Her speech was full of fond memories and encouraging words.
President McKinney and wife Dr. Charlesworth were full of energy the whole evening.
“It was so nice to see a list of people you want to spend time with on the guest list for the night,” Charlesworth in her speech said. “I’m so happy to make it to the end of the week to celebrate!”
At the end of the evening President McKinney even took to the stage to perform with the band with a fantastic drum performance. He then gave a wonderful champagne toast to the University.
“The spirit of the university and the spirit of this county is what set it apart,” McKinney said in his toast “mind, body, and spirit of VSU! Go Blazers!”