The university medallion and mace, the official symbols of the University of Oregon, will formally pass into the hands of Michael H. Schill this June when campus marks the investiture of its 18th president.

The June 1 ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in Matthew Knight Arena. The entire community is invited, and a reception will follow in the Giustina Ballroom and Barker Courtyard at the Ford Alumni Center.

Investiture is a formal ceremony marking the installation of a new president at most universities and many other longstanding institutions. It marks the transfer of authority associated with a high office from one person to another.

“Investiture is an important tradition in the life of the academy," said Chuck Lillis, chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Oregon. “We will be celebrating our president’s successful first year, as much as formally installing him into the position. This will also be an opportunity for Mike to reflect on his aspirations for the future of this great institution.”

It is not unusual for investiture ceremonies to take place months or even a year after a new president takes office, as was the case in the investiture of former UO Presidents Richard Lariviere and Michael Gottfredson.

Schill arrived on the UO campus in July 2015, succeeding Scott Coltrane, who served as interim president for a year before returning to his current position as senior vice president and provost.

The term “investiture” is a Latin for "in dress" or "in robe." All UO faculty and staff are encouraged to deck out in their full academic regalia for the official ceremony. Additional academic activities may also be planned as part of the ceremony, which will be shared with campus in the coming weeks and months.

As the event nears, additional information will be available on Around the O and on the Office of the President’s website, including how faculty can sign up to participate in the formal processional.

—By Jennifer Winters, University Communications