Presidentital Investiture: traditions and history

On October 18, 2023, Dr. Lori Stewart Gonzalez was sworn in as Ohio University’s 23rd president. As with most important events, the ceremony included a lot of formal elements that might not have looked familiar to everyone who attended or watched online. We’ll break down exactly what the ceremony was, its history, and what those terms mean.

Investiture, inauguration, installation

Investiture is the ceremony in which the president is formally “invested” with her official position, and typically takes place during the first year of a new leader’s term. The use of the word originated in the 14th century, and it comes from the Latin verb “investire” which means to clothe in, cover, or surround. Inauguration refers to the entire event surrounding the investiture, and installation is the exact moment in which the president officially assumes the presidential position.

Academic Procession

The academic procession was made up of delegates from universities across the country and participating Ohio University faculty. Delegates are authorized individuals who represent the new president. Members of the procession donned traditional academic dress unique to their institution, the origins of which date all the way back to medieval European universities.

History of Symbolic Elements

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia may seem a bit old-fashioned to us today, and that’s because it is. The formal dress originated in the 12th century when the first universities were being developed. Because higher education was associated with the Roman Catholic Church at this time, the long robes evolved from the garments that monks and clerics wore. Now, academic regalia is most often seen during official university ceremonies.

Ohio University’s presidential gown is green with four black velvet bars on the sleeves. Presidents are the only academics entitled to wear the fourth bar. Two black velvet panels are trimmed with gold cording. The hood is made of blue velvet and lined with green silk. The regalia is completed by a black velvet tam (headwear) with a gold tassel.

Ceremonial Mace

Ceremonial maces also have their origins in medieval England, when they were used by designated bodyguards to protect dignitaries from potential threats. Often highly decorated, they have long served as a symbol of authority and power. Nowadays, they can be seen at most universities being carried and displayed during important events and ceremonies, such as commencement and investiture.

Ohio University’s ceremonial mace is modeled after the balustrades of an original stairway of Cutler Hall, which was officially opened in 1819 and is the university’s oldest building. The mace also features the University seal and a stylized representation of the Cutler Hall cupola.

The Seal of Office

Much like the ceremonial mace, the seal of office is a symbol of authority. Back in the 12th century, it was used as the official “signature” for institutions and would be seen on formal and legal documents. Ohio University’s seal of office is made of silver and bronze and is worn by the president at official university functions.