The University
inaugurates its
13th president
..... i
OO
dGlTKS
'There's a lot to be said for having a gathering with some
circumstance...sort of as a declaration to the world that
we're alive and well and flourishing and that we're
not going to let all our troubles get us down.'
—Pres. Paul Olum
By DAWN GARCIA and ANN PORTAL
Of t» EmaraM
On Sunday, Paul Olum will be officially
inaugurated as the 13th president of the
University, although there have been only
five presidential inauguration ceremonies in
the school's history
Some presidents have opted to forego
the pomp and circumstance of a full-blown
ceremony and were simply ' installed," while
others marked the start of their academic
reign by a ceremony filled with optimistic
speeches, visiting dignitaries and impressive
inaugural banquets
The first presidential inauguration was
held in Villard Hall on Sept 18, 1893 to install
Charles H Chapman, the University's
second president in the college's 18 years of
existence
A few speeches and a musical perfor
mance by a violin, organ and piano trio
marked the arrival of the new president — a
John Hopkins scholar who had "come so
many miles to be in our midst as our guide in
the path of knowledge," according to a
student reporter for the University's first
publication. The Reflector.
The 1926 inauguration of Arnold Ben
nett Hall — one of the most impressive shows
of pageantry in the University's history —
also marked the celebration of the Semi
Centennial of the University
Thousands of people — including 22
university presidents and delegates from 170
universities — filled the grandstand at
Hayward Field to watch the faculty proces
sion in the “colorful and academically im
pressive'' event An inaugural banquet,
symposiums, dedications, memorials and
homecoming followed the inauguration
With slightly less pageantry but just as
much pomp, Olum’s inauguration will take
place at 2:30 pm. Sunday in the Old Campus
Quadrangle near Deady and Villard halls
The inauguration will be a ceremony of
the old and the new Professors, deans and
administrators will appear in the full regalia
of their alma maters, donning robes and
hoods usually worn only at graduation cer
emonies
In addition, school and college repre
sentatives will carry in newly designed
banners representing each discipline and
English Prof Edwin Coleman III will carry in
the University's new mace, a traditional symbol of
authority (see story Page 12).
Former University Pres. Bill Boyd will
make inaugural remarks Boyd was Pres.
Olum's first and only choice for inaugural
speaker Attorney General Dave Frohnmayer
will bring greetings on behalf of the people of
Oregon Participating in the investiture will
be Chancellor Roy Lieuallen and Edward
Harms, president of the Oregon State Board
of Higher Education
Joining the University faculty in the
academic processon will be delegates
representing Oregon colleges and universi
ties, Pacific 10 Conference schools and
Association of American University institu
tions. Carrying the banner with the University
seal will be ASUO Pres Rich Wilkins
The public is invited to both the in
auguration and the inaugural reception,
which will be held at the Museum of Art For
details and times of other inaugural events,
see story on Page 12