Although Duane Nellis has held office as president of Ohio University for a full four months, his road to establishing a legacy will reach another milestone next week during his official inauguration.
Delegates and guests from across the globe will assemble in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Oct. 18 to witness the investiture of OU’s 21st president — who wants to emphasize that the event-filled week isn’t about him.
“I just think it’s a way, nationally, to celebrate the university and its successes, and really set the tone for new opportunities moving forward,” Nellis said. “And really, this is not about me. This is about this point in the history of Ohio University and the great legacy of not only the leaders we’ve had at this institution, but the great success of this institution.”
Inauguration week will begin with a Monday panel discussion featuring Nellis and Chubu University President Osamu Ishihara, led by the presidents of Student Senate, Graduate Student Senate and the International Student Union. Nellis hopes to focus much of the week’s conversation on themes that include global opportunities and diversity.
“We need to take our efforts in that area to a whole new level,” Nellis said. “Not that we haven’t been there in the past, but I think there’s more we can do. And that includes creating a supportive environment for all our students, staff and faculty.”
On Wednesday, or “Legacy Day,” the Patton College of Education will present Nellis with a platinum “legacy leaf,” which will be displayed next to the college’s tree sculpture on the first floor of McCracken Hall. The leaves are mounted on a special backing made from preserved wood from the original McCracken Hall, and can be purchased for $500 to $2,500, according to the university’s website.
Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, a parade will depart Baker Center and end at the auditorium, where the investiture ceremony will take place. During the ceremony, Nellis will be presented with the Medallion of Office and Ceremonial Mace — two symbols of university leadership often seen during events such as commencement and convocation.
The investiture ceremony will also include an inaugural speech from Nellis, as well as a keynote address by NASA chief scientist Kamlesh Lulla, who has been a friend and colleague of Nellis for more than 35 years.
“Throughout his career, I have found Duane unceasing in his commitment to the value of global understanding and international studies,” Lulla said in a news release. “His supportive attitude, commitment to collegiality among his professional colleagues and selfless service to the community show the kind of leader he is.”
Watch parties for the investiture ceremony will be streamed live to overflow space in Baker Theater, as well as to regional campuses.
Although the OU Board of Trustees meetings will keep many university officials busy Thursday and Friday, the inauguration week events are set to continue with “Sustainability Day” on Thursday. After Friday’s board meeting, the trustees will join the Office of the President for a food pantry service project in Baker Center.
