in·ves·ti·ture
inˈvestəCHər,inˈvestəCHo͝or/
noun
- the action of formally investing a person with honors or rank.
“the investiture of bishops” - a ceremony at which honors or rank are formally conferred on a particular person.
plural noun: investitures
synonyms: inauguration, appointment, installation, initiation, swearing in
For new students at St. Joseph’s, traditions are visible everywhere — even if they aren’t aware of it.
The student lounge in the basement of Tuohy Hall was once where five SJC women adorned in skirts played competitive basketball in 1920. The cafeteria in O’Connor Hall was home to countless discos and dance parties in the ’70s, known then as “The Rat.” But one tradition remains as visible as it was 100 years ago: The tradition of investiture.
SJC’s investiture ceremonies are the first academic events of the year for the freshman class. They also provide a venue where the expectations fostered by the College are clearly manifested, while investing the class as formal members of the College community. Being invested also encourages new students to continue in the process of their transition from high school to college.
However, not many other colleges feature an investiture event on their campuses, so it’s easy to see why so many freshmen struggle to define it.
Overheard at SJC Brooklyn/Long Island Investitures:
We’re investing in our college … or they’re investing in us.”
“Un-graduating from high school. We’re un-graduating from high school and starting our college careers.”
OH at tonight’s Investiture: “Ok, this is kind of a cool event.” Why yes, yes it is. A wonderful #SJCNY tradition. pic.twitter.com/9A8PydMQSz
— St. Joseph’s College (@SJCNY) September 16, 2016
“We can find ourselves by losing ourselves in service of others.” Dr. Peter Lin ties his speech to #SJCNY‘s motto. pic.twitter.com/QkcHZTdBNK
— St. Joseph’s College (@SJCNY) September 1, 2016
On investiture day (held Sept. 1 at SJC Brooklyn and Sept. 15 at SJC Long Island, all new students, dressed in cap and gown, march across campus into the Hill Center (SJC Brooklyn) or the Danzi Gymnasium (SJC Long Island). There, they are met by faculty and staff, also adorned in cap and gown, along with hundreds of the students’ family members and friends. Each new student, each new member of the St. Joseph’s College family, listens to words of motivation by SJC President Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D., as well as members of the President’s Council.
“I want you to remember your number one goal is to graduate. Don’t be afraid to get intellectually bruised.”
— SJC President Jack Calareso
“I want you to ask what it means to be a person of integrity.”
—Senior Vice President Chris Frost, Ph.D.
“Remember, that the road to success isn’t always linear.”
— Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Garii, Ph.D.
Both campuses’ ceremonies conclude with the administration, faculty and staff affirming the Class of 2020 in pledging to educate and support the new freshman class by joining them in the recitation of the Academic Integrity Pledge and presenting them with a college pin.
By the time students departed, the confusion over what investiture actually means was clearly defined. It’s St. Joseph’s College welcoming them to their future.
Congratulations SJC Long Island Class of 2020! You are now “invested” in your future at #SJCNY. #RaiseTheBar pic.twitter.com/lS6jMwOP15
— St. Joseph’s College (@SJCNY) September 16, 2016
