President's installation ceremony blends tradition with performances from world-class artists

The installation of a new president and vice-chancellor is an important occasion that provides universities with the opportunity to recognize past achievements and look forward to the future. On Monday, April 8, the University of Calgary will welcome the campus and surrounding community to the installation ceremony for new President and Vice-Chancellor Edward McCauley. McCauley began his term as president on Jan. 1, 2019.

As a key pillar of the community, the University of Calgary has been making an impact for more than 50 years.

“We’ve evolved together thanks to the vision and support of the Calgary community and our university family,” notes McCauley. “Canada’s future success as a nation will be powered by new ideas, perspectives, concepts, skills, technologies, research breakthroughs and a belief in lifelong learning. Our university leads in meeting these changing needs, and we create meaningful learning environments to serve Canada well into the future. We are that university.”

An occasion grounded in university tradition

It has been nearly a decade since the last installation ceremony at the University of Calgary, when now President Emerita Elizabeth Cannon took office. The installation ceremony involves the incoming president and vice-chancellor taking the Oath of Office from the Lieutenant-Governor of Alberta. Following the oath, the University of Calgary board chair will ask the chancellor to officially install the new president and vice-chancellor.

Installation ceremony traditions include the presentation of the presidential robes; official greetings from community, provincial and national leaders; the display of academic regalia; and the presentation of various ceremonial objects, including the university mace.

The ceremony often includes elements that reflect the personal style and interests of the new leader and provides an opportunity for the first formal address to the community. The April 8 event will include performances by 11-year-old Calgary flamenco virtuoso Harry Knight and the 78th Fraser Highlanders Youth Squad, as well as the presentation of a new work by JUNO-award-winning composer and UCalgary Professor Allan Bell.

About the new president and vice-chancellor

McCauley is an internationally recognized scholar and one of the world’s foremost researchers in population ecology. He has grown his career with UCalgary for more than 30 years and accumulated numerous academic honours, including a fellowship at the Royal Society of Canada, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair, six international visiting chairs and distinguished professorships.

A leader with a track record of building excellence in student experience, research and innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and collaborative partnerships, he is also the architect of many broad-based national and international relationships with industry, community and government.

Attend the installation of Edward McCauley

Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community supporters and the general public are welcome to attend the installation of Edward McCauley as the ninth president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary on Monday, April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Olympic Oval. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.