Ceremonial Traditions

President Kustra Instillation, 1998

Mace produced in 1960 & used until 1999. Designed by Dean Gatwood & Annie Alvis; built by James W. Masterson & Gatwood.

Mace created in 2000 by James Masterson.

President Martin inauguration as Eastern President, sworn in as Eastern President by Chief Justice of KY Supreme Court Robert B. Bird, 1960

President Martin, former president William F. O'Donnell, and their wives attending the Inauguration Ball in 1960.

President J.C. Powell investiture, 1976.

Pomp and circumstance find their way into different facets of Eastern life. New traditions, like the Welcome Walk, are a student’s first step towards a journey in education and experience. Old traditions, such as the placing of time capsules, are messages to future generations. These messages are simple: we were here, and we remain!

Inaugurations and installations mark the beginning of a new era, as one Eastern president steps down and another takes their place. Some presidents, such as Ruric Roark (1906-1909) and Mary Roark (1909-1910), were Eastern’s guiding light in the early days of the university. Other presidents, such as William O’Donnell (1941-1960), gave us leadership during times of war and into a decade of prosperity.

Of course, every journey must come to an end. As graduates take their first step onto the commencement stage, they know they are closing the book on one story and are poised to start a grand new adventure once they reach the other side.