What you need to know about President Linton's inauguration
Wildcats around the world are invited to join their fellow K-State family members
as we celebrate (both in-person and virtually!) the inauguration of Richard H. Linton
as the university’s 15th president.
Here’s what you can expect during the inauguration, as well as more information on
the traditions and regalia you’ll see on stage:
1. What will happen at the ceremony Friday, Sept. 2?
President Linton’s inauguration ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. CDT in McCain Auditorium.
A reception will immediately follow in the lobby. Those joining virtually can find
the livestream here: https://www.k-state.edu/president/inauguration/
Charles Taber, provost and executive vice president, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Highlights of the ceremony will include K-State’s Symphony Orchestra performing a
selection of songs; the K-State U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force ROTC Color Guard; and
an address from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.
2. What is the meaning behind inauguration traditions? 
The inauguration of each new K-State president features fanfare specific to each leader's
experiences, values and vision. However, several important traditions carry over from
president to president.
The presidential medallion was first presented to the 11th K-State president, Duane
C. Acker.
The K-State mace debuted in 2009 at the inauguration of Kirk Schulz as the university's
13th president. The mace is a decorative symbol of office and is typically carried
at the front of academic processions. Designed by Tom Boley ’70, the mace is made
from a purple wood called purpleheart and a light-colored maple.
3. Why are university officials dressed in academic regalia?
At inauguration ceremonies, the president, president's cabinet and other designees
often wear academic regalia. The history of academic dress dates back to the medieval
European universities of the 12th century. Universities in the U.S. have standardized
academic dress so its features are common and uniform throughout the country. These
features include:
- The Gown
- At K-State, gowns are black. The pattern varies with the degree held: open sleeves for the bachelor's degree; long, closed sleeves with slits for the hands for the master's degree; and round, bell sleeves for the doctoral degree.
- The Hood
-
- The master's hood is shorter than the doctoral hood and lacks the panels of the doctoral hood. Hoods are lined with the colors of the university; our university's lining is purple with two inverted chevrons. The binding or edging of the hood is the color pertaining to the subject of the degree.
- Caps
- All bachelor's and master's degree candidates wear a black mortarboard. Doctoral students may wear a mortarboard or a soft velvet tam with either six or eight sides. The tams can be dark blue or black for Doctor of Philosophy candidates and light blue for Doctor of Education candidates. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine candidates wear a black mortarboard. Tassel color for all degree candidates depends on the degree and/or degree field.
Send your well wishes to President Linton by using #KStatePres15 on Twitter or Instagram, and your message may appear on our digital guestbook!