Invest: The Investiture of Kurt L. Schmoke
Category: Features
Schmoke, UB’s eighth president, speaks about “who we are” as a University with Baltimore City College’s Knights of Jazz behind him and additional speakers to his right, including (l. to r.) Sydney Comitz, undergraduate business/law student, student regent and former president of the UB Student Government Association; Frank M. Reid III, member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents; Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford; Kellye Beathea, law student who sang the national anthem; Stuart J. Silberg, B.S. ’71, chairman of the UB Foundation Board of Directors; and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake. photography: Mark Dennis/courtesy of the Office of the Mayor, City of Baltimore
Hundreds of blue-and-white ribbons danced in the air above the rows of red velvet seats in the Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric as Kurt L. Schmoke accepted the medallion commemorating his role as the University of Baltimore’s eighth president at his April 14 investiture. Audience members—including students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community members, government officials and Schmoke’s friends and family—waved the ribbons above their heads as Eubie, the University’s mascot, led the colorful frenzy from the stage.
“I’m constantly hearing that UB is a hidden jewel in the crown of the University System of Maryland,” Schmoke said. “But with all due respect, we intend to be hidden no longer. We want everyone to know who we are and why UB is so valuable.” The investiture—an ancient academic tradition steeped in pageantry in which the president is vested with the garments and ornaments signifying the authority of his role—took a more informal turn, celebrating the University’s progress and its focus on the future. The event revolved around a theme of UB’s investment in people, community, knowledge, progress, risk-taking and possibilities and expounded on what defines UB as an institution.
Twitter was abuzz during and after the event. Want to keep the conversation going? Share your UB story on social media using hashtag #thisiswhoweareub.
Presidents Emeritus H. Mebane Turner (left) and Robert L. Bogomolny (right) assist Schmoke in donning his robe, which will be worn at all official University events that require academic regalia, such as commencement. The UB seal is embroidered on the front panels. photography: Christopher Myers
Outgoing University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. “Brit” Kirwan (left) clasps the brass medallion, designed and created specifically for the investiture, around Schmoke’s neck. The primary 3-inch medal includes the University’s seal, while four smaller medals feature Eubie, UB’s mascot (of whom Schmoke is a devoted fan). photography: Chris Hartlove
When Schmoke accepted the medallion officially commemorating his role as UB’s eighth president, Eubie took the stage and encouraged the audience to wave blue-and-white ribbon wands as a surprise for the new president. Guests (l. to r.) Damon Gasque, B.S. ’78; Nina K. Yudell, B.S. ’81, MBA ’82; Nancy and James P. Nolan, J.D. ’74; and Barbara J. Ripley join in the celebration. photography: Chris Hartlove
