DURANT — Southeastern Oklahoma State University President Dr. Michael Turner was presented a ceremonial mace and medallion during an investiture ceremony held Friday afternoon at Montgomery Auditorium.

Turner was appointed the 18th president of the University in October 2007, and assumed duties in January.

Investitures, formal ceremonies to confer the authority and symbols of high office, are a long-standing tradition at academic institutions.

Southeastern Professors wearing ceremonial robes were among those who filled the auditorium during the processional and the SE Chorale conducted by Dr. Stacy Weger performed “Last Words of David.”

Flags from more than 30 nations that are represented by the students and faculty were carried in during the processional and placed onto the back of the stage.

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard, made up of four marines — two carrying flags and two carrying World War II M1 rifles — presented the colors. The Southeastern Symphonic Choir performed the National Anthem.

President Turner served eight years in the Marine Corps and earned the rank of captain. “Hey, Marines,” he said, as he walked by two of them during the processional.

Attending the event were many dignitaries from state government and higher education, delegates from other colleges and universities, faculty and staff members, students, community members, and other special guests.

The event was filled with serious as well as lighthearted statements by those speaking.

Adam Lovell, president of the SE Student Government Association, was on the stage with other dignitaries. Lovell wore a coat and tie and the other dignitaries were dressed in ceremonial robes.

“I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m feeling a little underdressed,” Lovell said, drawing laughter.

Lovell, who will graduate in 2010, said he has spent time on the SE campus since he was a small child and considers the university to be family.

“Southeastern is the people,” Lovell said. “Southeastern is the family.”

Dr. Wayne Jones, chair of the SE Faculty Senate, said that when he came under the campus arches in 1979 as a student, "Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places," was playing on the radio and that it was the "Urban Cowboy" era.

State Regent John Massey, a 1960 graduate who was named distinguished alumnus in 1984, recalled that when he was a student, many graduates were the first ones in their family to earn a college degree.

“I can remember seeing tears in the eyes of mothers and fathers because their son got a degree,” Massey said.

Massey spoke about the task regents gave Turner when they named him Southeastern president.

“I hope you realize the charge we have given you,” Massey said. “You shall become the best president of any college in the United States.”

Massey encouraged Turner to lead as best he can and promised to adopt him as a “Little Dixie Democrat.”

Chancellor Glen D. Johnson of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, presented the symbols of office (mace and medallion) to President Turner. Chancellor Johnson served as the 16th President of Southeastern from 1997 to 2007.

Johnson said SE is a very important component in the state’s higher education system and it is his privilege to work with President Turner.

Regent Joe Anna Hibler, Chair of the Regional University System of Oklahoma, delivered the charge and presented the seal prior to President Turner’s address to the audience.

Turner then spoke.

“I will lead with clear vision and diligence in projecting the mission of this university and her legacy,” he said. “As regent John Massey stated earlier, I am proud to be a member of the school of the rising sun.”

“School of the rising sun” is one of the institution’s nicknames, although the phrase was not used during World War II due to its association with the Empire of Japan.

Turner introduced his family, wife Lisa and their daughters Madison and Megan.

Turner then revealed why the investiture was scheduled in December.

“We were engaged during Christmas time and when asked ‘what was the most special time in your life?’ I replied, not thinking of the schedule, ‘well, Christmas time,’ so Dec. 5 it is,” Turner said.

Dec. 5 was the date he became engaged to Lisa, and he thanked her for the blessings she has brought not only to himself but to the Southeastern campus.

Turner looks forward to continuing the tradition of investing in the people of Oklahoma.

“This investiture is a momentous occasion to be celebrated on the eve of our university’s centennial (2009) ... Investiture ceremonies are larger than any one individual,” Turner said. “This investiture and this week are about celebrating Southeastern Oklahoma State University.”

Also on the program delivering remarks were Dr. John deSteiguer, Vice President for Advancement at Oklahoma Christian University; Dr. Larry Minks, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southeastern; Alumni Association President Mary Kathryn Hodge; and Investiture Committee co-chairs Vicki Hudson and Dr. Shannon McCraw.

Providing music at the event were Dr. Mary Ann Craige, the Chorale, Symphonic Choir, Band, and Brass Ensemble.

The day’s activities continued with the unveiling of a historical marker in front of the President’s Home in conjunction with Southeastern’s centennial celebration, and concluded in the evening with an Inaugural Ball, with proceeds going to student scholarships.