The investiture ceremony is a symbolic tradition dating back to the Middle Ages when early European universities honored their scholars with elaborate rites of investiture. At UVM, these ceremonies acknowledge and celebrate the inaugural holders of the newly-endowed positions and recognize the donors whose generosity made the appointment possible.
Appointment to an endowed position is among the highest academic honors the University of Vermont can bestow on a faculty member. Endowed professorships and chairs are also important in recruiting and retaining the most creative researchers, the most effective teachers, and the best collaborators. Exceptional faculty members in turn create a dynamic and engaging academic environment that attracts outstanding students and peers.
