It's official

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat President Peter Likins practices with the UA orchestra for his part in the upcoming play "Lincoln Portrait." Likins rehearsed with the group for about a half hour to work through the part that they will have together in the play.

Peter Likins officially will become the University of Arizona's 18th head-honcho tomorrow when he takes the Centennial Hall stage for his inauguration.

"It's a really significant event in the life of the university," said Terry Burke, assistant to the president, who helped organize the event.

The $10,000 to $12,000 ceremony will be open to the university and city communities, Burke said. He said former president Manuel Pacheco's 1992 inauguration cost $20,000. Several hundred people are expected to attend the 9 a.m. event.

Associated Students President Gilbert Davidson said it is "extremely important" that students attend the ceremony, although classes will not be suspended for the occasion.

"If students don't show up, it will look bad on our part - that we don't care about what is happening," he said.

Hank Amos, Arizona Board of Regents member, said the ceremony will indicate that the community is behind the new president.

"It's a new beginning, a change to offer recognition and show support," he said.

Burke said Davidson, Faculty Senate Chair Jerry Hogle, Arizona State University president Lattie Coor and Arizona Board of Regents president Rudy Campbell will address the crowd at the ceremony before Likins is handed the gold presidential medallion.

Hogle, also master of ceremonies for the inauguration, said he is impressed with Likins' presidential performance thus far.

Without commenting on Pacheco's reign, Hogle said "President Likins is so outgoing that he seems to be quite effective in a variety of (campus) groups."

Music will be provided by the University Wind Ensemble and Harpfusion, a performing group comprised solely of harps.

Likins is scheduled to begin the event by sharing breakfast with about 200 student leaders in the Memorial Student Union's Arizona Ballroom.

Immediately following the ceremony, Likins will greet guests on the Arizona State Museum Lawns.