Gregory Geoffroy will officially assume the title of ISU President at his formal installation ceremony Saturday – but today, he’s throwing a barbecue on Central Campus to celebrate with students.

A free meal of barbecued ribs, chicken, grilled sandwiches and buckets of ice cream will be offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. today south of the Campanile as part of Geoffroy’s informal installation.

The formal installation will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, followed by a reception in the Scheman Building.

“[The barbecue] was the president’s idea,” said Charles Dobbs, executive assistant to the president. “He wanted an event for students, something less formal than Saturday’s installation. We are hoping to fill the space south of the Campanile.”

Geoffroy, President of the Graduate Student Senate Debbie Martinez and President of the Government of the Student Body Andy Tofilon will each give a short speech. The ISU pep band will rouse the crowd and Tin-Shi Tam, associate professor of music, will play Iowa State’s carillon during the event.

The afternoon should be “full of good times,” Dobbs said.

Pete Englin, interim dean of students, said Geoffroy has been very involved with the student body. Geoffroy visited the residence halls during move-in and mingled in the student section at last weekend’s football game against Baylor, Englin said.

“Our president has already demonstrated a real interest in our students,” he said.

Dobbs said activities like the barbecue put the ISU focus where it needs to be.

“The first point of Iowa State’s strategic plan is learning – that’s students,” he said. “[Geoffroy] really does care about students. I think he very much wants to be visible and approachable. He’s a caring person.”

Englin said students should use these events to get to know Geoffroy.

“With the challenges we have ahead of us,” Englin said, “the partnerships between the president and students, both formally and informally, will be necessary.”