Ceremony Follows Well-Known Academic Traditions

Hundreds Gather for Pomp and Circumstance

Government and academic leaders, delegates of universities from all over the country, Secret Service agents and other entourage members, alumni, faculty, students and staff—all will gather at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 4, in the Recreation Center to witness an historic moment for the University: the inauguration of Chancellor Martin T. Meehan.

The ceremony may be new to the UMass Lowell campus—given that the last change in leadership was more than 25 years ago—but the pomp and circumstance of an inauguration is well-known in academic culture. The traditions surrounding the smallest details, such as what participants wear and what the marshal carries, date back as far as medieval times.

The academic procession is one of the more distinctive parts of the ceremony, with the colorful regalia of the platform party, special guests, delegates and honorees setting a festive yet dignified air to the celebration. Except for some members of the platform party, robe and hood—both color and style—is dictated by the wearer’s alma mater and highest degree achieved.

The academic procession will be led by 40 students representing all facets of student life.  Delegates follow in two columns, lined up in order of the founding year of the institution they are representing, with the oldest first. Faculty follow the delegates, then deans and the Cabinet, trustees and other members of the platform party, including speakers, members of Congress and special guests.

The head marshal holds a mace, which symbolizes the authority vested in the chancellor by the University’s Board of Trustees. In medieval Europe, the mace carrier protected the leader of a kingdom, cathedral or university. The tradition of carrying a mace during academic public ceremonies started in the 16th century. The marshal walks in front of Chancellor Meehan, who will walk alone—in a place of honor—to end the procession.

The installation ceremony itself is also steeped in academic tradition. Various special guests will offer greetings from the city, the University, the state, the students and the faculty. Visiting delegates will be welcomed by Suffolk University President David Sargent.  U.S. Sen. John Kerry, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, Gov. Deval Patrick and State Sen. Steven Panagiotakos will offer remarks about the chancellor before Speaker of the U.S. House Nancy Pelosi takes the stage for the highly anticipated keynote address.

Following the keynote, UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Manning ’84 will read the charge of office and present Chancellor Meehan with the symbols of the office. UMass President Jack M. Wilson will place the chancellor’s medallion around the chancellor’s shoulders.

Chancellor Meehan will then present his vision for the University in his inaugural address. The newly installed chancellor will lead the recession with his macebearer for symbolic protection. All participants and guest of the inauguration are invited to LaLacheur Field following the ceremony for a reception.

The inauguration is a free event, and faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend. For parking information, visit Directions on the inauguration website.