Presidential Investitures

President William B. DeLauder gives his inaugural address

On December 8, 2018 President Wilma Mishoe will formally be installed as the President of Delaware State University.  As we await this auspicious occasion, I thought it would be an excellent time to look back at the inaugurations of our former presidents.  What have they traditionally entailed? What can we expect for next month?

The most recent example that we can examine is the inauguration of the 10th president, Dr. Harry L. Williams in 2010. Interestingly, his ceremony was held at the time of convocation which is a traditional, campus-wide gathering held each September to mark the start of another academic year. It seems appropriate that at a time to celebrate a new year, a new era would also be recognized. Dr. William's inauguration featured dignitaries from across the state including politicians from the US House and Senate, the governor, and the mayor of Dover. It additionally included the presidents of the University of Delaware, Wesley College, and Delaware Technical & Community College.  All of these prominent individuals were given the opportunity to speak and welcome President Williams. Following this, representatives of the university faculty, staff, students, and alumni also gave addresses. 

By comparison, President Oscar J. Chapman's inauguration (5th president, inaugurated in 1950) did not include quite so many speeches from dignitaries.  His ceremony more prominently featured music. The ceremony started with the hymn, God of Our Fathers, that was sung congregationally. The program was an opportunity to showoff the talents of the college choir with the singing of Mozart's Gloria form the Twelfth Mass, Laudamus by Protheroe, the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and of course the alma mater. If I had to guess, I'd say that President Mishoe's inauguration will include selections from the Gospel choir and perhaps the band.


Beyond all of the speeches, the single most important moment of any DSU president's inaugural ceremonies is the presentation of the medallion and investiture. A medallion is a symbol of authority and is a tradition that is passed down from the middle ages. Historically, a medallion signifies membership in a religious order, guild, knighthood, or a government office. In our university's history, a medallion is commissioned for each new president and is worn at commencements and convocations. Once the president has been given a medallion and thereby sworn in, he (soon to be she) gives an inaugural address outlining his hopes for the future of the university.

On the night following the ceremony, a gala will take place.  For President Williams, it was comprised of a dinner, of course, and talent show showcasing the gifts of faculty members. I confess that I am a bit sad that President Wilma Mishoe's inaugural gala will not include such performances by my colleagues. The gala will instead be combined with the traditional Presidential Scholarship Ball and the performance will be given by The Manhattans and the ever-popular Panama Band.

Based on the archival reference requests that I have received, I can guess that President Mishoe will draw

inspiration from her father's ceremony and inaugural address. As the first legacy president, I know that she keenly feels a desire to honor her father and proudly wears the mantle she is inheriting.

No matter what form President Mishoe's inauguration will take, I, for one, am very proud to serve under her administration and look forward to exciting, fruitful years ahead.  President Mishoe, I wish you many blessings and the best of luck in what lies ahead! It is a wonderful time to be at DSU!

Inaugural program from President Luna I. Mishoe's ceremony

Luncheon following President Luna I. Mishoe's Inauguration