AU's mace is one of many symbols that will ground AU President Jon Alger's inauguration in tradition. Photo by Jeff Watts.

Jon Alger’s installation as American University’s 16th president on March 28 will mark a monumental moment as the community looks to the future under his leadership.

“This is an event to install him ceremonially in front of the world,” said Kristi Vanoy, director of special events in the Office of the President. “It’s a ceremony that bestows power from the Board of Trustees to [Alger] to confer degrees and to act on their behalf in the best interest of the university.”

The celebration is also steeped in tradition.

Universities across the country follow the same basic set of principles for all academic ceremonies, according to April L. Harris’s book, Academic Ceremonies: A Handbook of Traditions and Protocols. Those guidelines—which have established a standard for everything from regalia to the structure of events—were created by nineteenth century American academics who wanted to link institutions together through shared practices. Those traditions give milestones deeper meaning.

“It shows us where we’ve been,” said Vanoy, who is the keeper of AU’s traditions. “If we can see the foundation of where we’ve come from, it allows us to be creative within that license. It’s all about looking back to look forward.”

Here are a few of the traditions and symbols you’ll see at Alger’s inauguration later his month.

The Mace

At inauguration, the arrival of AU’s academic mace symbolizes the start of official proceedings.

The ornate talisman is always carried by the university marshal—in the case of inauguration, Jenny Axe, chair of the Faculty Senate—and leads the academic procession as a physical embodiment of the president’s authority.

Maces were originally designed to protect civil officers during the Middle Ages. AU’s wooden and metal mace is inscribed with the university seal and adorned with the AU logo. After inauguration, the mace must be present with Alger at all academic ceremonies like convocation and commencement.

“It will always come before him to announce his arrival and it will always process in front of him as he leaves the stage,” Vanoy said.

Delegates

It’s tradition to invite delegates representing colleges and universities, professional societies, and educational associations to attend the installation in support of a new president. It indicates the event’s significance to the wider higher education community.  

About 50 delegates are expected at Alger’s installation, including from his alma maters, Swarthmore College and Harvard University. Delegates are placed in order from the oldest to the youngest institution and will walk into Bender Arena as part of the inaugural procession.

Regalia

Details in Alger’s regalia signal his presidential authority.

The red, white, and blue presidential robe is similar to what doctoral candidates wear at academic ceremonies—fabric designed to last a lifetime and three velvet bars across the sleeves befitting the achievement of the highest honor of scholarship—with one key difference.

“The president is the only person in the entire institution that gets a fourth bar,” Vanoy said. “It’s a symbol he’s the head of the institution.”  

The presidential gown, like those worn by graduates at commencement, draws from the twelfth century when communities of learners wore long robes representing the honor of their work, according to Harris’ book. AU’s red, white, and blue robes were introduced in 1988, blending medieval tradition and AU style.

Presidential Medallion and Chain of Office

At the climactic moment of installation, Board of Trustees chair Gina Adams, SPA/BS ’80, will commend Alger with the authority of the institution by asking for faculty trustee and SPA professor Tom Merrill and student-elect trustee Marcus McNeill, SPA/BA ’26, to place the presidential medallion and chain of office around his neck.

The medallion is inscribed with AU’s seal and embodies the leadership and responsibility vested in Alger’s position. It must be worn by Alger at every academic ceremony moving forward, Vanoy said.

Personal Touches

Vanoy likened an inauguration ceremony to a wedding. Beyond your required signature on the marriage license, the rest of the ceremony can be personalized.

In that vein, the inauguration festivities will honor who Alger is and his vision for AU as a leader in civic life, service, and innovation.

The installation ceremony will conclude with the debut of “Unity: For Two Choirs, Piano, and String Orchestra,” a new piece by Emmy-winning composer John Wineglass, CAS/BM ’94. The special music will be performed by AU’s Chamber Singers and Gospel Choir, directed by Daniel Abraham, professor and chair of the Department of Performing Arts. The piece, commissioned by AU, honors Alger’s background as an accomplished choral singer.

Register for inauguration and view the full schedule of events here.