When President Michael Schill takes the stage for his investiture and receives the mace and medallion, the official symbols of University of Oregon, it will be with strong nods to history but with his gaze also set firmly on the future.
The June 1 ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. in Matthew Knight Arena. It will be live streamed on the UO Media Channel. The ceremony will be bookended by events celebrating the UO’s present and recognizing the challenges and opportunities facing modern public research universities. Schill wants the day to be about much more than a single person or position.
Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. in Room 175 Knight Law Center with a presentation and panel discussion titled “The Modern Public Research University; Challenges and Opportunities.” The event features former provost and current professor at Columbia University Jonathan Cole, a renowned academic leader and author of several books on higher education, including “Toward a More Perfect University.”
His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with Gene Block, a UO alumnus and now chancellor at the University of California, Los Angeles; Jamienne Studley, a former president of Skidmore College and former U.S. deputy undersecretary of education; and Charles Martinez, professor and department head in the UO’s College of Education. Lisa Heyamoto, a faculty member in the School of Journalism and Communication, will moderate the discussion.
At the afternoon investiture ceremony, professor Geri Richmond, who recently received the National Medal of Science from President Obama in Washington, D.C., will lead the procession into Matthew Knight Arena and carry the university mace.
In his investiture speech Schill is expected to challenge the audience and university community to help him debunk some of the persistent myths that hamper both the UO and all public research universities.
The ceremony will include remarks by Block and UO senior Stefani Aleman, a biology and psychology major, as well as music from a cappella groups Divisi and On the Rocks and the UO Brass Ensemble.
Chuck Lillis, chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon, will conduct the formal installation, placing the medallion around Schill’s neck and presenting him with the mace.
“Investiture is an important tradition in the life of the academy," Lillis said. “We will be celebrating our president’s successful first year as much as formally installing him into the position. This will also be an opportunity for Mike to reflect on his aspirations for the future of this great institution.”
A reception follows at 3:30 p.m. in the Giustina Ballroom and Barker Courtyard at the Ford Alumni Center. The post-ceremony celebration will include kettle corn and ice cream chosen by Schill, who is known for his sweet tooth.
Investiture is a Latin term meaning "in dress" or "in robe,” drawing from the fact that the president and other participants will don their university regalia. It is a formal ceremony at most universities and many other longstanding institutions marking the installation of a new president. It marks the transfer of authority associated with a high office from one person to another.
—By Jennifer Winters, University Communications