Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, places the medallion of office on A&M-Victoria President Christian Hardigree Wednesday during the presidential investiture ceremony. The ceremony was a celebration of the university's first year as a member of The Texas A&M University System and an official acknowledgement of Hardigree's leadership.

Texas A&M University-Victoria celebrated a year of leadership under President Christian Hardigree and reaching a year as part of The Texas A&M University System Wednesday with an investiture ceremony at the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts.

The ceremony included speeches by elected officials and members of The Texas A&M System, videos, presentations of items and a “Taste of Victoria” reception following the event. In addition, attendees were given a challenge coin.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone from our city, county, region and more who made the time to join us,” Hardigree said during the event. “It is an incredible honor to be entrusted with the leadership of this unique, inspiring and uplifting university nestled in the South Texas Gulf Coast.”

During the ceremony, legislators, several officials and other university professionals offered their greetings and support, including James Hallmark, vice chancellor for academic affairs for the Texas A&M System; Patti Helton, retired regional vice chancellor of Student Success at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg; Karen Holbrook, regional chancellor emerita for the University of South Florida; Texas Rep. AJ Louderback; Texas Sen. Lois Kolkhorst; and U.S. Congressman Michael Cloud.

In addition to their greetings, Louderback, Kolkhorst and Cloud each presented the president with a token of appreciation for her leadership. Louderback presented her with a Texas flag that was flown over the Texas Capitol, and Cloud presented a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol building. Kolkhorst read a proclamation from the Texas Legislature. In addition, the university’s leadership also presented Hardigree with her own personal copy of Simon Sinek’s book “The Infinite Game,” which had been signed by Sinek with a personalized message. Hardigree often shares inspirational messages from Sinek’s work during meetings.

Hardigree also received greetings from Jay Graham, vice chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and was presented the official university medallion by The Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar. The medallion is a brass disc that is emblazoned with the university seal. As part of his recognition, Hegar applauded Hardigree for building community partnerships and offering more in-person classes on campus.

“Change at a university is hard,” Hegar said during his remarks. “She has explained her reasons and kept students at the center. That is what matters most. When a student from the Crossroads earns a degree close to home and steps into a good job here, the whole family benefits, and so does this community. Today is not a finish line. It is a charge to keep going.”

As part of the ceremony, attendees were given a challenge coin as a reminder of a challenge that Hardigree gave to supporters during her address. The challenge was for each individual to look for one new way they could support the university, whether that be recruiting a student, making a donation, hiring an intern, engaging with alumni or more. The coins feature the university seal on one side and the university’s values on the other: Wisdom, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, Student and Empathy.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to a reception with a “Taste of Victoria” theme. The refreshments were provided by several Victoria restaurants and vendors, including The Pumphouse, Fossati’s Deli, Ventura’s Tamales, Baskin Robbins, Chartwells, Sweet Fountains Bakery, Back Door Catering and Weber Brewing.