Pusey's Inaugural Ceremony May Be Simple as Conant's

The Corporation and Overseers today duly named Nathan Marsh Pusey '28 to succeed James Bryant Conant as the 24th President of Harvard University. Yet Pusey will not officially occupy the famous "President's Chair" until his formal inauguration.

No announcement has been made as yet concerning the details of the inaugural, but it is safe to predict that it will be held within the first two weeks of October, as a matter of tradition. Whether the new President's inauguration will more closely mirror President Lowell's lavish three day celebration, or President Conant's relatively austere 15 minute ceremony is anyone's guess.

Original inaugural ceremonies were brief and simple, usually held in the morning and lasting only a short time. During the past century or so, exercises became more and more elaborate, culminating in the inaugural for President Lowell in 1909 which was held in Harvard Yard before an audience of 13,000, with representatives from academic institutions all over the world come to pay their respects.

Torchlight Parade

Included during President Lowell's gala three day installation were numerous luncheons and banquets, a Boston Symphony concert in Sanders Theatre, and a torchlight parade by undergraduates to the Stadium, where the new President greeted them from a seat in Section 19.

In sharp contrast, President Conant's formal vestment of authority was, by his own request, quiet and inexpensive. The year 1933 was a black year--depression had its effect in Cambridge as elsewhere. Conant felt an elaborate ceremony at that time would entail needless expense.

Conant's inaugural was closely patterned after the exercises for President John Leverett in 1707, details of which have been preserved in the Corporation Records.

Pres. Conant's candlelight ceremony took place in the Faculty Room of University Hall attended by only 150 people, selected to represent principal divisions of the University, the student bodies, the alumni, and the public.

Traditional Insignia

A focal point of the traditional installation was the presentation of the insignia identified with Harvard since its establishment in the 17th century. The Charter was the original charter granted by the General Court in 1650, and the Seal was designed in the same year. The earliest Books of college records, dating from 1643, and the Keys were those used in the inauguration of previous presidents.

Below is a portion of the report which appeared in the CRIMSON in 1933:

"Throughout the brief installation, which consisted of a prayer, the presenting of the insignia, and President Conant's acceptance speech, there was no sound besides the speaker's voice and the crackling fire in the hearth. After the 78th Psalm had been sung by the Choir, the assembly broke up, while deans and Overseers gave a hand in removing the chairs to facilitate an approach to the long tables along the west side of the room on which the University had provided punch, tea, and sandwiches." For a half hour, Conant remained, greeting wellwishers.