While the past 10 presidents to pass through Western Illinois University were honored at this year's Founders' Day Celebration, the newest member to the group, Dr. Jack Thomas, was inaugurated as Western's 11th president.

Thomas was named president on Jan. 18 and began his tenure on July 1. Prior to that he had served as the University's Provost and academic vice president under former President Al Goldfarb since January 2008.

Founder's Day began with a brief history of the University, and a description of each of the former presidents and the impact that they left on Western.

Since opening in 1902, Western has grown from a small normal school of 229 students to an award-winning University of more than 13,000 students.

J. Michael Houston, Chair of the Board of Trustees, introduced guests from other universities, and former Western faculty and staff including Lana Myers, who rang the same bell that her grandfather did on Sept. 23, 1902 to signify the start of classes at the new school.

Dr. Goldfarb was the first of many speakers to greet the new president. He said that he and his wife are pleased to be back in Macomb at Western, and that he missed the personal relationship and competition that he and Thomas had while working out at the Rec.

"I am very humbled to be able to speak at Jack Thomas' inauguration," Goldfarb said. "I was ecstatic when the board of trustees chose Jack to succeed me as president of this great university. More important, Jack and I remain close personally. His personal and professional value make him a great president for Western Illinois University."

Dr. Charles Middleton, president at Roosevelt University, has known Thomas since their time at Maryland and spoke on the challenges that universities face today.

"From one president to another Jack, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity and face these challenges head on," Middleton said.

Rev. Dr. C.T. Vivian was the last of the speakers at Thomas' inauguration and the Western Illinois State College graduate, and Macomb resident, spoke about the emotions that Thomas' inauguration meant to him.

Later, Thomas was presented with the Presidential Medallion for his leadership in numerous administrative roles from the president of his alma mater, Alabama A&M University.

With his family at his side, Goldfarb and Houston presented Thomas with the gown in Western colors, the medallion and the presidential medallion, which completed his symbolic investiture as the 11th president of Western Illinois University.

After his introduction, Thomas thanked all in attendance for coming to share in his inauguration as Western president.

Thomas' wife, two sons and father were all in attendance, but he dedicated the address in honor of his mother who is was unable to attend as she is suffering from the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, and acknowledged his brother who had stayed by her side.

"This is a very humbling experience and I am honored to have been chosen as Western's 11th president," Thomas said as he began a passionate inaugural address. "It is a day of celebration, a day of hope and a day where we observe the past present and the future. We must look to the future with confidence."

He grew up in a small town in Alabama, and as a product of public schools he said he understands their importance.

Growing up on a small farm in Calhoun Ala., Thomas said his parents were unable to get a formal education as they lived through the civil rights battles, and he thanks them for all they did for him.

"I remember my mother saying, ‘Son I want you to finish high school, and to go to college, someone has to do something a little different from what we have done,'" Thomas said. "Through my mother's encouragement I began to excel at my studies. It was also my father who taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. So today I salute my parents."

He recognized Goldfarb for his work in the past years as president, and applauded Western for the accolades it has received recently, including being ranked 14 by the US News and World report among public schools in the Midwestern region.

Yet Thomas added that he would not settle on 14th in the Midwest.

Thomas went on to speak about his plans to continue to improve Western Illinois University in Macomb as well as the Quad Cities campus.

His plans included improving the growth and quality of the University. He addressed plans for the creation of a grand entrance and welcome center on the corner of 67 and University Drive where the Godfather's and the old cinema stand now.

Along with these plans he spoke about the plans to finish Macomb's performing Arts Center as well as phase one, two and three at the Quad Cities.

"Our strategic plan calls for us to be the leader and that is what we will become," Thomas said. "If we're going to move forward as a University we must be proactive. We must think big, we must dream big and we must achieve our goals as a University."

"Western Illinois University, the future is in our hands," Thomas said. "Let western ring from the bell tower of Sherman Hall, let it ring from the riverfront at the Quad Cities, let it ring from the University center in Lake Count in Chicago, Ill. Let Western ring."