The University of Denver inaugurated Robert D. Coombe as its 17th chancellor Thursday before a large audience of government and academic dignitaries, faculty, staff and students.
Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and City Councilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie spoke at the ceremony, welcoming Coombe as well as saying goodbye to former Chancellor Daniel L. Ritchie. Ritchie inducted Coombe into his new position.
A carillon chorus from the Lamont School of Music heralded a colorful procession of DU faculty and delegates from other universities who were attired in academic regalia. The procession included representatives of student organization who wore academic robes. The procession filed into Magness Arena, the venue for DU’s Division I athletics, especially hockey.
“I come into this building waiting to hear a slapshot, but the energy in this room is very appropriate for this inauguration,” said Hickenlooper.
The speakers, including student organization leaders, spoke about the legacy that Coombe is stepping in to fill after Ritchie’s reign.
“I want to express my thanks to a close friend and gentleman who has done so much for the University of Denver, for the state of Colorado and for our country, and that’s Chancellor Dan Ritchie,” Owens said in his speech.
“Chancellor Dan Ritchie set such a high standard while he was here,” he continued.
Ritchie bestowed upon Coombe the Charge, Investiture and Tokens of Office of the university in a ceremony that harked back to medieval pageantry.
Coombe took office in July 2005, but the investiture ceremony was not held until 10 months later. He was ceremoniously dressed in the chancellor’s regalia of black, crimson and gold, as Ritchie presented him with the university’s mace, medallion and freshly minted gold buttons. The buttons are for the red vest traditionally worn by DU chancellors.
Ritchie charged Coombe with safeguarding the financial integrity of DU while nurturing the academic excellence and scholarship of faculty and students.
“The university you have served with passion and integrity calls upon you to lead and inspire us,” said Ritchie.
Coombe began his address to the university by saying he is “honored and humbled” to be in his position.
In his acceptance, Coombe spoke about his aspirations for the university, pledging to work to increase the university’s endowment and enhance academic excellence. He also pledged to make DU a model of diversity, as well as a place that celebrates differences in the student body, in the staff and faculty and respects various points of view.
“It’s about the excellence that can be achieved from the blending of lives, different in many dimensions, focused on achievement,” said Coombe.
About 1,300 people in the audience greeted his remarks with an ovation.
Coombe, who previously served as DU’s provost, holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.
