Anticipation was in the air as students, staff and faculty began to find seats in DU’s Magness Arena.
Everyone leaned forward expectantly as the Lamont Wind Ensemble began to play the traditional prelude. Teachers, trustees, students and delegates from other universities marched into the arena dressed in multi-colored academic regalia, with colorful sashes and cords embellishing the traditional robes.
The gathering, with its overtones of the pageantry of eras past, was to inaugurate Robert D. Coombe as the University of Denver’s 17th chancellor.
Thursday’s inauguration was the first since Daniel L. Ritchie was inaugurated 16 years ago.
Huge monitors projected the faces of those on stage surrounding Coombe on this historic day. Coombe was ceremoniously dressed in the chancellor’s regalia of black, crimson and gold.
Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, one of the attending dignitaries, spoke about the impact DU has had on the state, and expressed his belief that Coombe’s tenure would further the success of DU and positively impact the entire state of Colorado.
The highlight of the event was the investiture of Coombe as chancellor. . Ritchie presented Coombe with the university’s mace, medallion and freshly minted gold buttons for the traditional red vest that the chancellor wears both on formal and informal occasions. Ritchie wore the crimson vest often and it became his signature on campus.
The DU mace is a hefty affair. It is a 3-foot-long scepter, made of sterling silver with gold plating. At the top it is set with six gems mined in Colorado that alternate with six symbols that represent the mission of the university.
The DU medallion is made of silver and gold and bears the seal, motto and names of DU’s chancellors. The medallion hangs on a chain and is worn by the chancellor at official academic functions.
Coombe also received gold buttons for his red vest. This tradition dates back to DU’s third chancellor, Henry Buchtel, who wore a red vest with gold buttons.
With the medallion draped around his neck and the mace and buttons in hand, Chancellor Coombe said, “Wow. This is amazing. This is just amazing.”
