John Nicklow, Ph.D. became the 6th president of Florida Institute of Technology on July 1, 2023. President Nicklow's was formally installed during a presidential investiture ceremony on Jan. 26, 2024 in the Clemente Center.
Florida Tech thanks all of the students, alumni, staff, faculty members, trustees, special guests, friends and family who joined the university for this auspicious and celebratory occasion.
Photos of the VIP luncheon, faculty processional, guest speakers, and the final moment of President Nicklow's speech (cue the streamer cannons!).
During a reception following the investiture, guests were invited to pose for a commemorative picture with the Nicklows. Browse the gallery to find yours.
Hosted by former CNN space program correspondent John Zarrella, the investiture opened with a selection of classical music and then, as in the university’s commencement ceremonies, a procession of university faculty and dignitaries. President Emeritus Anthony Catanese served as grand marshal. Several members of the Florida Tech and Space Coast communities offered remarks. Speakers included Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce President Michael Ayers, Florida Tech Alumni Association President Sherry Acanfora-Ruohomaki, and Chairman of the Florida Tech Board of Trustees Travis Proctor.
Florida Tech expresses its most heartfelt thanks to President Nariman of Stevens Institute of Technology and President Lim of New Jersey Institute of Technology for sharing these gracious messages of congratulations with Florida Tech in honor of President Nicklow's investiture.
Academic traditions are a hallmark of higher education institutions. The is home to traditions dating back more than 200 years. Regalia worn at commencement and other formal events dates back to medieval European universities. The president’s medallion and chain of office, the president’s regalia, the university mace and the university seal are all physical symbols of the institution.
A university tradition since the Middle Ages, chains of office adorned with a large medallion are worn by the president on ceremonial occasions. The chain and its medallion may be made of bronze, silver or gold. Florida Tech's presidential medallion features the university seal set inside a border with the text, "The President's Medal," and three guiding values of the chief executive office: honor, commitment and service. The ceremonial necklace is placed on the neck of the new president at the moment he or she is officially installed.
Academic costume is a tradition passed down through centuries and is used to denote the academic origin and accomplishments of its wearer. The shape and decorations of the gown indicate the highest degree earned by an individual. Like other doctoral gowns, the presidential regalia has bell-shaped sleeves, may be worn open or closed, and may be most readily identified by its velvet facing and velvet arm bars. Whereas standard doctoral regalia features three velvet bars on each sleeve, the president's includes a symbolic fourth.
The mace came into existence during medieval times as a weapon of war. By the late 16th century, the mace had become a ceremonial object and, as a symbol of authority, it was adopted by universities and colleges. The academic mace symbolizes the authority invested in the president by a university's governing body. It is used only on formal academic occasions such as commencements and presidential investitures, when participants are in full regalia. It is usually carried by the grand marshal.
Florida Tech appreciates the sponsorship investments made in honor of the investiture of President Nicklow and the university's 65th anniversary. The following organizations’ generous contributions both supported the celebratory event and increased essential scholarship funds for students.
Title Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Crimson Sponsor
