Installation/Convocation Ceremony

Friday, September 23, 2011
Holmgren Meadow
9:45 am to 12:00 pm

The year 2011 marks a milestone at Mills as we install Alecia A. DeCoudreaux as the 13th president in the College's history. In celebration of this major event, we are combining two time-honored academic ceremonies—the installation of the College president—and Convocation. At Mills, Convocation marks the beginning of the academic year, honors the academic achievements of select students and faculty who are receiving special awards, recognizes students in the graduating class, and welcomes new students to campus.

The Installation ceremony is the highlight of Inauguration and begins with a procession of delegates from colleges across the country who are joined by Mills alumnae/i, faculty, graduating seniors, Trustees, and the program participants.  

The Convocation pre-celebration begins with graduating seniors and faculty donning academic regalia and gathering for a breakfast reception before proceeding to Holmgren Meadow.

First-year students, sophomores, and juniors join their respective classes wearing their class color. Each class is assigned one of four colors based on the year of graduation. The Class of 2012 is purple, the Class of 2013 is red, the Class of 2014 is green, and the Class of 2015 is blue. The outgoing class shares their color with the incoming class, so the tradition continues every year.

The Installation/Convocation ceremony will begin promptly at 9:45 am on Holmgren Meadow. Classes at 10:00 and 11:00 am are cancelled for the event.

Following the ceremony, guests will enjoy a celebratory lunch on the President's Meadow with President DeCoudreaux featuring special performances to mark the occasion. After lunch, the celebration will continue with a panel discussion on Mobilizing Change: Educating a New Generation of Women Leaders led by award-winning KGO business reporter Lynn Jimenez.