St. Thomas students welcomed President Julie Sullivan Tuesday afternoon at Scooter’s to kick off her inauguration week.

Although this week marks Sullivan’s official welcome to the university, she said she has felt at home since her first trip to campus in October 2012.

“The first thing that struck me was the warmth and the vibrancy of the student body,” Sullivan said. “The students had no idea who I was. They smiled at me; they opened doors for me, they said hello. I just felt welcomed from that very first moment.”

Sullivan not only gave a short address in Scooter’s, but also showed off her dance moves in the flash mob.

“She volunteered to (dance). She was like, ‘I’m down for it,’” junior Desare Cox said.

Sullivan will be inaugurated as St. Thomas’ 15th president Thursday. The day’s events will begin with a 10:30 a.m. invitation-only Mass in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas, followed by two luncheons: one for students, faculty and staff on the John P. Monahan Plaza, and the other for delegates in Woulfe Alumni Hall of the Anderson Student Center. Sullivan will deliver her inaugural address at 2 p.m. in the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex fieldhouse.

“I’m just thrilled. I’m thrilled to be here; I’m thrilled to be welcomed,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan ended her speech by expressing how honored she is to be a part of the St. Thomas community.

“It is all about the students from my perspective,” Sullivan said. “What we are here for is for you. We are here to help transform your lives and help prepare you with the knowledge, the skills, the attitude and the faith to always make the difference in other peoples’ lives.”

Joey Anderson, Alison Bengtson and Briggs LeSavage contributed to this report.