Formal ceremonies to invest Dr. Chris Maggio as the 19th president of Northwestern State University will take place Friday, Sept. 15, beginning with a morning Mass, followed by the investiture, a reception and several other events planned around the celebration. Maggio was named president of the university in May. The public is welcome to attend all events.

The Investiture Ceremony: Friday, Sept. 15 at 11 am at A.A. Fredericks Fine Arts Auditorium

The investiture is the formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of high office and will draw on Northwestern State’s treasured traditions and global academic excellence, while emphasizing the university’s promise in a new century and new direction. It is an ancient academic ceremony that has symbolized the pursuit of knowledge since the Middle Ages. President Maggio will be robed with the Presidential Academic Regalia, a gift by the Student Government Association. He will also be donned with the President’s Chain, which is worn at formal academic functions, such as Commencement. The event, which will include faculty, staff, and students, will be held in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on the Northwestern State campus. It is free and open to the public.

Investiture Keynote Speaker: Gary Fields (Wall Street Journal)

Pep Rally and Concert: Thursday, Seprt. 14 at 7 pm at Collins Pavilion

All Demon fans are invited to the Demons Come Out at Night Pep Rally and Molly Ringwalds concert. Events are free and open to the public.

There will be food trucks, beverages, contests and a few surprises. The best dressed student will win a $711 scholarship, which was the cost of tuition when Dr. Maggio enrolled at NSU in 1982.

The Demons Come Out at Night Pep Rally will take place at the Tailgate Field and Collins Pavilion beginning at 7:30 p.m. with students, student-athletes, coaches, spirit groups and the NSU Pep Band there to rally Demon fans for the season’s first home football game, set for Saturday, Sept. 16. The Molly Ringwalds will perform from 8-10 p.m.

For more information on the pep rally and events surrounding the Investiture, visit nsula.edu/investiture.