About Fredonia's Inauguration

Seal with WreathWhat's in a name?

Inauguration? Installation? Investiture? According to Etiquette and Protocol: A Guide for Campus Events by April L. Harris, the term "inauguration" is used in a university setting to refer to the series of events planned in celebration of the installation of a new president. The "installation" is the actual moment the new president assumes the articles of office. The ceremony itself is an "investiture." We are following this usage at Fredonia. The inaugural events provide opportunities for members of the university family to celebrate all elements of the university and move forward together.

A successful inauguration will serve to unite those with a stake in the future of the university and the entire campus community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, friends and donors – with a common understanding of Fredonia and a vision of its future. As a celebration, Fredonia's inauguration will:

  • Honor President Horvath as she begins her tenure as president.
  • Launch a new era in Fredonia history — recalling the past and setting the stage for the future.
  • Celebrate Fredonia traditions, and intellectual and creative talents.
  • Call attention to the four pillars of Fredonia's new strategic plan as we work to build an integrated, engaged, global, and sustainable community of learning.

Why now?

At American colleges and universities, the ceremonial bestowal of presidential powers traditionally takes place some time after the new president actually assumes the duties of the office. President Horvath was appointed to the position of president by the SUNY Board of Trustees on April 29, and officially assumes office on July 1, 2012. Having the investiture on September 21 allows the ceremony to take place when school is in session, provides time for planning and allows time for the presidents of other colleges reserve the date. Presidents from throughout the country as well as overseas are being invited because an inauguration acts not only as an opportunity for a college to look ahead to its future while honoring its traditions, but also serves as an official recognition of a president's entrance into the nation's academic leadership.

The Theme

Recognizing Fredonia's proud past while looking to do even more in the future, the theme for Dr. Horvath's inauguration week is "Building on a Tradition of Excellence."

The Investiture Ceremony

While President Horvath's inauguration will be made up of a week-long series of events, the major focus of the inaugural week will be investiture ceremony, scheduled for Friday, September 21 at 2 p.m. in King Concert Hall. The investiture is the occasion when a new president is formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of the office of the president. The installation will be conducted by SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. And most importantly, the ceremony will give President Horvath an opportunity, in her inaugural address, to share her vision for the future of Fredonia.