NEW CSUN PRESIDENT WELCOMED WEEKLONG CELEBRATION FEATURES MUSIC, EVENTS.

Byline: Erik N. Nelson Staff Writer

NORTHRIDGE - The campus survived the Northridge Earthquake of 1994 and March Madness of 2001.

This week, it's time for real shaking at California State University, Northridge, as the school celebrates the inauguration of its new president, Jolene Koester.

``It's going to be a big deal, a very big deal. We've only had four presidents at this university,'' said Marcella Tyler, executive director of marketing and public relations for CSUN's College of Extended Learning and chairwoman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee.

The week will feature daily cultural events that show off the university's diversity and its music and other arts programs, such as the Associated Students-sponsored opening event, ``Carnaval: A Celebration of Culture and Community,'' Monday at the University Student Union.

On Tuesday at noon, as many as 3,000 students, faculty, staff and local residents are expected to gather in front of Oviatt Library for ``The Big Inaugural Picture,'' a group photo to be taken by a photographer on a cherry picker. Copies of the photo will eventually be offered for sale on campus.

The week will climax on Thursday with the actual inauguration at noon on the Oviatt Library Lawn.

The event will feature a procession of representatives of more than 80 colleges and universities in full ceremonial regalia. Representatives will march in order of the founding of their institutions, starting with local Harvard University alum Ira Krinsky and ending with California State University, Channel Islands, President Handel Evans.

``It's really a rebirth of the campus, with a new president,'' Tyler said.

Last week, campus workers were busy planting alyssum and watering sprouting bulbs, petunias and blooming rose gardens, as well as putting up signs congratulating the president on her inauguration.

Koester has been president since July 1, when she replaced Blenda Wilson, who left in 1999 to run an educational foundation in Massachusetts. Before coming to CSUN, Koester was provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of communication studies at California State University, Sacramento.

``I enjoy this role and this university very much,'' Koester said. ``I consider it a privilege to be here.''

While university inaugurations tend to be lavish affairs, Koester urged the Inaugural Committee to stage a more approachable and down-to-earth affair.

``I'm really looking forward to the whole series of events because it's a chance for us to celebrate the quality of this university,'' especially after completing work on buildings damaged in the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, advancing academic programs and increasing services to local communities, Koester said.

CSUN began in 1958 as San Fernando Valley State College. It took its current name in 1972.