By Dale M. King
BOCA RATON – Using trappings and traditions steeped in antiquity, Florida Atlantic University hosted the installation ceremony Friday morning of Dr. Mary Jane Saunders, the university’s sixth president.
“Today is a remarkable day that I share with all of FAU, the general community and my family. I am honored to be the sixth president of Florida Atlantic University,” said Saunders. “I continue my commitment to support students in helping them achieve academic success, to work together with faculty and staff in the pursuit of new goals, and to engage the community as we take FAU to the next level of excellence.”
Mary Jane Saunders, Florida Atlantic University's sixth president
The installation ceremony was the main event of a weeklong series of events that began October 24 and concluded October 30. The inaugural celebration intertwined with the university’s Homecoming festivities.
Among guests gathered in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium were Sherry Plymale, a member of the FAU Board of Trustees; Dr. Timothy Lenz, president of the Faculty Senate and a member of the FAU Board of Trustees; Ayden Maher, Student Government president and a member of the FAU Board of Trustees; Romayne Berry, an FAU alumnus and chair of the FAU National Alumni Association; Michael Kaufman, a member of the FAU Foundation Board; Susan Whelchel, mayor of the city of Boca Raton; Adam Hasner, member of the Florida House of Representatives; Ray Ferrero, Jr., chancellor of Nova Southeastern University; J. David Armstrong, president of Broward College; Dr. Mark Rosenberg, president of Florida International University; Norman Tripp, a member of the Florida Board of Governors; Frank T. Brogan, chancellor of Florida’s State University System; Nancy Blosser, chair of the FAU Board of Trustees and Dr. Michael Schwartz, president emeritus of Cleveland State University.
During the ceremony, Dr. Saunders wore presidential regalia that included the four chevrons on the sleeve of the robe traditionally used only by university presidents. Many universities add to the dignity and beauty of the president’s academic regalia by providing a specially designed medallion that is worn around the neck on a chain.
Saunders was presented the FAU President’s Medallion, which is a replica of the University Seal. The image at the center of the circular seal depicts ocean waves, the rising sun and the flame of knowledge, evoking thoughts of scholarly work being carried out in a place of great natural beauty. A mace, generally made of wood and clad in metal, was used as a weapon during the Middle Ages. Later, as more powerful military arms were developed, the mace became a symbol of authority.
Themed “Making Waves: Celebrating and Cultivating Discovery, Diversity and Distinction,” the inauguration was designed to introduce the 
president to the university’s constituents and provide a platform for the expression of her vision for the future of FAU. It also was an opportunity for the entire university community to welcome her.
Perhaps the most touching words came from Dr. Schwartz, former president at the university where Dr. Saunders was provost before taking her new job at FAU. He called her “MJ” as he recalled her days in Cleveland, then recalled that he himself had been a professor in FAU’s early days. He called Dr. Saunders “a talented and gifted leader.”
FAU’s fifth president, Frank Brogan, now chancellor of the State University System of Florida, called Saunders “absolutely the right person in the right place at the right time. Dr. Saunders is the person to lead this institution into the 21st century, boldly and bravely.”
Mayor Susan Whelchel said she could foresee “a continued cooperation as FAU moves ahead under Dr. Saunders leadership.”
“Presidential inaugurations are very rare and special occasions at universities,” said Trustees Chair Blosser. “Here at FAU, we have had just five of them in 49 years. Today’s historic event offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of occasions such as this and an understanding of the importance of tradition in academic life.”
“FAU’s distinguished faculty and dedicated students are excited about the opportunity to help turn President Saunders’ plans for the university into reality as she guides FAU through this next stage of academic growth and development,” said Dr. Timothy Lenz, president of the FAU Faculty Senate and member of the Board of Trustees. “Dr. Saunders’ arrival at FAU heralds a promising new era in leadership of the entire university community.”
“It is an honor for me as a student leader to be part of this ceremony today,” said Ayden Maher, president of FAU’s student government. “President Saunders serves as FAU’s key mentor and role model to all of the university’s students, and her accomplishments at the University help to make our degree that more valuable.”
Saunders was named FAU’s sixth president by unanimous vote of the FAU Board of Trustees on March 3. She began her term of service on June 7th.