Inauguration ceremony builds on University's history

The formal inauguration of President Mary Sue Coleman as the University's 13th president March 27 will look toward the future while drawing on the traditions that have marked the ceremonies of higher education for centuries.

Coleman at the Aug. 29 convocation (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

"Inaugurations are important events in the life of a university community," says Chacona Johnson, chief of staff in the Office of the President and chair of the planning committee for the inauguration. "They give us opportunity to look ahead toward a future full of promise, and back on a rich tradition of human accomplishment and triumph."

One symbolic feature will be the procession of academics from within and beyond the University, who will wear an array of academic attire and hoods in the traditional colors of their scholarly fields. As dictated by tradition, the procession will be led by the Faculty Senate chair carrying the University mace; the chief marshal; student flag bearers; Inauguration Planning Committee and Presidential Search Advisory Committee members; delegates of learned and professional societies and national associations; delegates from other institutions of higher education (marching in the order of the university's founding); faculty members; deans; executive officers; former presidents; regents emeriti; the inaugural speaker; and the current provost and regents; all leading Coleman who follows at the end of the procession.

Another of the symbolic elements is the University mace, 2 1/2 feet long, of red oak with silver ornamentation, and carrying the seals of the University and the state of Michigan, plus the engraved names of past University presidents. The mace has been used by the University for formal ceremonies since the early 20th century.

Schedule of Inauguration events Thursday, March 27, 2003 Installation Ceremony 10 a.m., Crisler Arena (processional begins at 9:45) Academic Symposium: “For a University of the World” 2:30-4 p.m., Power Center for the Performing Arts Public Reception 4:30-6:30 p.m., President’s Residence, 815 S. University Ave.

Johnson urges attendees to be in their seats by 9:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. ceremony "The procession is a colorful and moving beginning to the celebration, so we want everyone to be able to witness it," she says.

James S. Jackson—the Daniel Katz• Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, director of the Center for Afroamerican and African Studies, and director of the Research Center for Group Dynamics and the Program for Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research—will deliver the inauguration address. "My theme is to point out the many ways I believe Mary Sue Coleman is uniquely suited to address the continuing needs of the University," Jackson says. "I see our 13^th president providing the leadership to renew and reinvest in undergraduate teaching, community service and the challenges to higher education posed by an ever-shrinking globe and resource constraints."

Also participating will be Provost Paul N. Courant; members of the Board of Regents; Sara Boot, president of the Michigan Student Assembly, Brien Hulsebus, president of the Rackham Student Government, Anocha Cornell, custodial supervisor, Plant Department, representing staff; Saul Green, president of the Alumni Association and Dr. Charles Koopmann, Faculty Senate chair and associate chair in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, representing faculty.

Inauguration day events also include:

• "For a University of the World," a symposium moderated by Michael Kennedy, vice provost for international affairs, professor of sociology and director of the International Institute. It will be held 2:30 to 4 p.m. in the Power Center

• A reception for the campus and community at the President's Residence, 815 South University Ave., 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Members of the Inauguration Planning Committee, in addition to Johnson, are: Betty Aliko, principal event manager, University and Development Events; Boot; Molly Dobson, community representative; Jacque Dunham, director of ceremonial and presidential events, University and Development Events; Linda Gregerson, professor of English and chief marshal of the University; Koopmann; Rebecca McGowan, member of the Board of Regents; Lester Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs; Lisa Rudgers, vice president for communications; Lisa Tedesco, vice president and secretary of the University; and Karen Wolff, dean of the School of Music.

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