On Feb. 8, UIS hosted the investiture of Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. An investiture is an act of presenting a title and /or insignia to an individual rising into an office or rank. The event took place at the Sangamon Auditorium in the Public Affairs Center. Beautiful music played softly as all eyes laid upon the decorated stage. Once 2:00 hit, the auditorium was filled with the “Pomp and Circumstances” processional by Edward Elgar, performed by the UIS Camerata Wind Ensemble.
The participants walked single file to the chairs on the stage, and beautiful robes were worn by many faculty representing the university they attended. The ceremony had various wonderful speakers, starting with remarks from the University of Illinois System President Timothy L Killeen. From there, we heard from UI Board of Trustees Chairman Donald J Edwards, the Chair of UIS Campus Senate, Associate Professor Celest Weuve, and the Student Government Association President, Kyle Stauder.
The keynote address was given by the lieutenant governor of the State of Illinois, The Honorable Juliana Stratton. Her remarks about Chancellor Gooch and the campus were truly moving. She mentioned that the variety of people who attended this event was amazing, from students and faculty to State Senators and other local public officials. After her speech concluded, there was a musical interlude, “Illinois, Illinois” by Johnson/Chamberlin, performed by UIS Student vocalist Amelia Curtis who was accompanied by UIS faculty pianist Dr. See Tsai Chan. Ms. Curtis’s performance was soft and elegant.
As the ceremony came to a close, the Truman State University president, Dr. Susan Thomas, gave a biographical profile; next was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Medallion by President Killeen and Chairman Edwards. Chancellor Gooch closed the ceremony with her response and investiture address. She began by thanking everyone for attending and giving such heartwarming remarks. As she spoke, you could tell her love for the university – she has worked hard to get where she is today and will help the university grow and make history. As the ceremony ended, the participants began to walk off the stage, and the recessional began, “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremy Clarke, performed by the UIS Orchestra Trumpet Section.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, people were invited to a small reception on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center. This reception had light refreshments, which consisted of buffet-style finger foods, dessert items, and an open bar. Laughter and conversation filled the air as people bonded over their love for Chancellor Gooch and the university. The reception offered a social aspect to the event. People could mingle with UIS faculty, state officials, student government members, and of course, Chancellor Gooch.
This event was special because it was the first of its kind ever held at the University. I would have liked to see more student representation. However, student government members were seen sitting close to the stage representing the student body and supporting their president, Kyle Stauder, and the student representative to the Board of Trustees, Will Formea. Both of them gave remarks during the ceremony. Overall, it was a unique experience to witness, and I do not doubt that Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will successfully lead UIS into a better and brighter future!
