48 The Courier SUN • OCTOber 30, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com victoria’s secrets VICTORIA SCHNEPS-YUNIS [email protected] tweet me @vschneps Peter D’Angelo, chair of the board of trustees, congratulates President Bobby Gempesaw as he wears the robe of the president (with four white stripes on the sleeve) and the Presidential Medallion and holds the Mace. It was a week of colorful costumes Dynamic $1000 off Lumineers $500 off Invisalign DENTAL WORK Free Whitening included the inViSiBle WAy to Some excluSionS Apply StrAighten teeth third generation dentist 175-15 Jamaica avenue, Jamaica 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 It was hours of pageantry and majesty as St. John’s University held its investiture for its new president Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, the 17th president in almost 150 years. Then I had the fun of having all my grandchildren dressed in their Halloween finest for a dinner party “Spookfest.” A huge contrast, but both events were filled with love. I was grateful to be invited by a trustee of St. John’s, Joe Mattone, and the faculty to the multiple events surrounding the celebration of its new president. The investiture (the installation of the president) took place in the Carneseco Arena on campus, a winning place where the legendary St. John’s basketball team, Red Storm, have played as well-known winners in the arena. On Friday, the space was filled with a different kind of winners—faculty, students, alumni and guests. I loved to watch the parade of professors in their colorful robes and caps and colored hoods. Those with doctoral degrees wear the red robe. Each department’s dean wears a different color hood over his or her robe. It’s an eye-opening scene as they march down the aisle in their brilliant robes and the bright pink robes of the archbishop in attendance. The presidential regalia is filled with tradition, too. President Gempesaw was given a distinctive red robe (traditional for doctorate holders), with four white velvet chevrons on the sleeve, a cap and hood representative of the degree-granting institution. As part of the ceremony, Gempesaw was given the Presidential Medallion, a large gold coin that bears the crest of the university on its face. It signals the beginning of President Gempesaw’s reign as president. Then there was the university Mace. That tradition comes out of the Middle Ages when knights used heavy armor breaking clubs to protect themselves. Today it is a statement that those who carry it bear the power of higher education. The Mace was carried by John Clarke, J.D., the chairman of the department of law and the grand marshal at the investiture. He was chosen as the grand marshal of the parade of professors because of his distinguished service and accomplishment. The Mace was presented to the new president as a symbol of importance for students and faculty to know that it bears the power of higher learning. I love the traditions that symbolize the university’s critical role in so many lives. Bobby Gempesaw was met with cheers and wild applause as he rose to accept his new responsibility. I loved that he spoke boldly about the role he wants to have in the community, and he has already made himself visible on the campus by visiting and participating with students. Although he was born in the Philippines, Bobby Gempesaw has made his adult life and home with his loving accomplished wife Clavel, who has earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in the States. He opened his talk with a welcome in seven different languages, paying tribute to the diverse student body he now leads. The new president spoke of his love and appreciation of his Jesuit education and leadership positions at the Miami University and the University of Delaware. He brings to us his years as an accomplished scholar, teacher and administrator for over three decades. I welcome him and his vision to be involved in the community and to balance his talents as a student of economy, finance and jazz! He will surely make beautiful music in our eclectic diverse world of Queens. Welcome to our world! The perfect weather on Sunday allowed my five little grandchildren to run free and enjoy a “Spookfest” of fun. They bounced in the Bounce House, twirled hula hoops, ate popcorn and cotton candy and laughed with joy for three hours. Their joy was infectious.
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