We allowed ourselves a little pomp and circumstance for Kurt L. Schmoke’s official installation as the University of Baltimore’s eighth president, but his Investiture on April 14 by and large was an informal event. Featuring a jazz band from Baltimore City College, Schmoke’s alma mater; a poignant video introduction; and celebratory ribbon wands, the ceremony focused on UB as an institution and took an aspirational look at its future.
Check out the video that kicked off the ceremony; it explores UB’s investment in people, community, knowledge, progress, risk-taking and possibilities.
videography: Hartlove-Goodyear
Were you among the 1,000 supporters who joined in the Investiture festivities? Relive the afternoon’s liveliness (or take a look at what transpired if you weren’t able to make it) through our gallery of images.
colorful pins
Colorful pins commemorated the occasion. all photography by Chris Hartlove unless otherwise indicated
notable guests on stage
(l. to r.) Kellye Beathea, law student who sang the national anthem; Sydney Comitz, undergraduate business/law student, student regent and former president of the UB Student Government Association; Stuart J. Silberg, B.S. ʼ71, chair of the UB Foundation Board of Directors; Frank M. Reid III, member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents; H. Mebane Turner, president emeritus; Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford; Robert L. Bogomolny, president emeritus; Schmoke; Baltimore Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake; Kristen Tull, M.A. ʼ09, academic program coordinator and chair of the UB Staff Senate; and William E. “Brit” Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, looked on as Daniel Gerlowski, professor and president of the University Faculty Senate, spoke.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake
Rawlings-Blake addressed the audience.
Eubie on stage
(l. to r.) Eubie, UB’s beloved mascot, took the stage to get the crowd enthused as Reid snapped a photo with his phone and Rutherford looked on.
showing off the regalia
Schmoke showed off his regalia as Kirwan (at podium) officially installed him as UB’s eighth president. photography: Christopher Myers
keynote address
Schmoke was all smiles as he presented the keynote address.
ribbon wands
Guests picked up ribbon wands on their way into the theater for a festive moment upon Schmoke’s installation.
a festive moment
At Eubie’s bidding, the audience waved their ribbon wands in the air. photography: Christopher Myers
gift bags for guests
Gift bags full of Maryland-themed goodies awaited guests as they exited.