Do you remember the best professor you ever had?

For the first time in its long history, the University of Vermont will stop to honor the best and brightest in a special “Investiture Ceremony” at Ira Allen Chapel. More than 50 endowed professors and chairs will be recognized in a colorful program that begins with a ceremonial procession from Billings Library to Ira Allen Chapel on Wednesday, April 16 at 3:20 p.m.

UVM president Tom Sullivan said the faculty honorees are “some of the finest intellects, the most talented teachers, and most gifted scholars among a faculty who in total make up an extraordinary and outstanding academic community.”

The day also recognizes the donors whose generous gifts over the years have created UVM’s endowed chairs and professorships. Donations that create a faculty endowment help to pay for a professor’s salary, as well as enhancements to the recipient’s teaching, research and other scholarly activities using annual earnings on the donation.

Each honored faculty member will also be presented with a medallion signifying the status and distinction of their position. More than a dozen donors will attend, as well as students, faculty colleagues and other members of the university community.