What Is An Investiture
An investiture is a ceremony and time-honored academic tradition. This centuries-old commemoration is used in many different institutions to symbolize the responsibility, power and influence being entrusted to an individual. Ceremonies have been used in everything from religious orders, such as members of the Roman Catholic Church receiving their vestments, to knighthood ceremonies. In modern times, the ceremony often is used for academia and government offices, such as when Supreme Court Justices take their oaths or when university presidents receive their symbols of office. Today’s ceremony is a formal acknowledgement of President Christian E. Hardigree and a celebration of her first year as president of Texas A&M University-Victoria.
Inauguration
A university inauguration invites the campus and the wider community to celebrate both the new leader and the institution. Typically scheduled in the first year after the leader takes office, the event brings students, faculty, staff and community partners together to engage with the new administration and hear its vision for the future.
Processional
The Investiture Ceremony opens with a processional of elected officials, Texas A&M University Regents, Texas A&M University System representatives and special guests.
The Mace
The university mace serves as the ceremonial emblem of the office of the president, with origins in medieval England when it was carried to protect officials assuming office or convening court. Since American colonial times, it has held a purely symbolic role and, during university ceremonies, is carried by a distinguished faculty member.
The Seal
The university seal adorns various official items and documents, including the degrees that students receive at graduation. A&M-Victoria’s seal highlights the Ben Wilson Street Tower, a central structure of the university that serves to welcome visitors to campus. In addition, the seal features the date of the university’s establishment in 1973. Around the border are 12 points, each containing a star to symbolize the university becoming the 12th member institution to join The Texas A&M University System. Two sprigs of laurel leaves represent the university’s dedication to high achievement in academics, and the rays of light radiating from behind the tower represent the Light of Knowledge.
The medallion
The medallion is a brass disc worn by the president during official ceremonies, such as the commencement ceremonies during the fall and spring semesters. The medallion has the university seal on the front and an inscription from The Texas A&M University System Chancellor on the back. It is attached to the Chain of Office
The Chain of Office
The Chain of Office is worn over the president’s shoulders during academic ceremonies, including commencement ceremonies. The chain is made up of links that include the names of previous presidents of the institution. It is a symbol of leadership and trust that also honors the legacy of previous leaders who came before.
The Gown
Academic regalia worn in the procession traces its origins to at least the 14th century. A Portuguese statute from 1321 required all bachelors, licentiates and doctors at the University of Coimbra to wear gowns. In the United States, institutions adopted a national code of academic dress in 1895, which has been revised periodically. The bachelor’s gown features long and pointed sleeves. The master’s gown has oblong sleeves open at the wrists, with some older designs opening near the upper arm. The doctor’s gown is more elaborate, with full-length velvet panels on the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve in black or in the color associated with the wearer’s academic discipline.
The cap
In the United States, graduates most often wear a black cap called a mortarboard, while some master’s and doctoral graduates wear a tam. The tassel on a mortarboard, attached at the center, is typically black but may match the color associated with the academic discipline or degree level. A tam is a soft, velvet academic cap worn by master's and doctoral graduates, symbolizing advanced scholarly achievement
The Hood
The master’s hood is worn draped over the shoulders and down the back. Its lining reflects the official color or colors of the institution conferring the degree, while the velvet edging indicates the field of study.
Hood Colors
Hood colors awarded by A&M-Victoria include:
- Blue – Master of Education
- Drab – Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration
- White – Master of Arts
- Gold – Master of Science
- Brown – Master of Fine Arts
Our Values
As Texas A&M University-Victoria moves forward into the future and takes its place among the other members of The Texas A&M University System, the university is reshaping its identity and has chosen a set of values that reflect its dedication to its students and the community it serves.
At A&M-Victoria, we have a set of values that we want to share:
- Wisdom
- Excellence
- Respect
- Integrity
- Students
- Empathy
These values spell out our ultimate goal: Together, WE RISE.
This is not just a goal. It is a commitment to our students, our employees and our community. Whether it’s partnering with other educational institutions in the region, supporting community initiatives, finding scholarship and internship opportunities for our students, and more, A&M-Victoria plans to rise, and we want to rise together with our community.