Inauguration Celebrations Begin with Ninth Night Event

Meredith College held a Ninth Night celebration on March 26, 2025, to mark nine days until the inauguration of Aimee Sapp as its ninth president. The celebration was held in Johnson Hall rotunda starting at 5 p.m.

The event had a ’90s theme, and decorations incorporated the number nine in a variety of ways. There was a trivia contest featuring facts about Meredith’s new president, a photo booth, and refreshments.

A highlight of the event was the formation of the number nine on the first floor of the rotunda. President Sapp was surprised with this tribute when she left her office to join the festivities. The numeral formation was a nod to the Class Day tradition of forming the graduating class’s number on the McIver Amphitheater island.

Meredith’s performing arts were in the spotlight, with theatre, dance, and music performances. Theatre students performed a song from Committed the Musical, which debuted at Meredith last fall to start. They were followed by a performance featuring members of four Meredith dance groups – the Meredith Angels Dance Team (MADT), the Fierce International Rhythmic Experience (FIRE), the Meredith College Improv Group, and the Meredith College Dance Crew (MCDC). The final performance was by Encore! Meredith’s a cappella ensemble.

After the performances, President Sapp thanked the event organizers and all the students involved.

“I also graduated from a women’s college, and that was a formative experience for me …,” Sapp said. “It’s a really special thing. And I think that it helped me become the person I am today, which allowed me to be in a position to give back to all of you.” 

Sapp encouraged the students to “know their ‘Why?’” and to keep that inspiration as they go out into the world.

“Don’t ever let go of that, whatever it is. Educating women and the mission of Meredith is my ‘why’. It’s why I get out of bed every morning. It’s why I come here and do the hard work, and it’s why I care so much about all of you … I want to thank you for feeding my passion every day.”

Ninth Night was the first of a series of events being held in honor of President Sapp in advance of her inauguration ceremony on April 4. Visit meredith.edu/inauguration for a full schedule.