The Investiture of Beong-Soo Kim as USC’s 13th President
On Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, the USC community will gather for the investiture of Beong-Soo Kim as the university’s 13th president. This historic academic ceremony marks the formal installation of President Kim and brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community to celebrate a new chapter in USC’s history.
Investiture is an academic tradition marking the formal installation of a new university president. Typically held during a president’s first year, the ceremony also celebrates the history, values, and community of the university — and has taken many forms at USC over the years.
Symbols of the Presidency
Presidential Medallion
The Presidential Medallion of Office is worn by the president over their official academic regalia during formal university ceremonies and commencements. Associate Provost Jerome B. Walker created the medallion as a tangible symbol of the authority vested in the president by the USC Board of Trustees. It was first worn at the inauguration of President James H. Zumberge on May 10, 1981.
For President Steven B. Sample’s 1991 inauguration, Walker designed the medallion’s current chain, which consists of 16 linked shields identical to the shield in the university seal.
The front of the medallion depicts the university seal, while the back lists the name of the president and the date of their inauguration. Each president keeps their medallion after leaving office.
For President C. L. Max Nikias’ 2010 inauguration, two copies of the medallion were created: one for the president to wear at ceremonial events and another for display in the Office of the President. The displayed medallion includes the names of USC’s past presidents engraved on the links of its chain.
University Seal
Adopted by the USC Board of Trustees in 1948, the university’s current seal serves as USC’s official signature. The design features poppies alongside the shield within a scroll-shaped outer band. The Latin motto is inscribed on a separate scroll at the base of the seal. This seal continues to be the imprimatur, or official signature, of USC to this day.
Presidential Regalia
While doctoral candidates and general graduates wear custom cardinal and black robes with the USC torch and shield, the university president wears distinguished academic attire signifying their office during formal processions.
The cardinal robes of office worn by university trustees were designed by Jerome B. Walker for President Steven B. Sample’s 1991 inauguration. Reminiscent of the university’s doctoral gowns, the trustee robes feature red velvet front panels and sleeve chevrons outlined in gold, with embroidered shields from the university seal on the lapels. Trustees also wear doctoral hoods lined in USC’s cardinal and gold, with red velvet collars representing the university rather than a single academic discipline.
The University Marshal wears a distinctive gown that bridges the trustee robes and the university’s doctoral gown, with the university seal embroidered on the lapel.
University Mace
The University Mace is a ceremonial scepter symbolizing the authority of the Office of the President. The President of the Faculty serves as mace bearer during academic processions for commencement and other official university ceremonies.
Ceremonial maces date to the 13th century, when they were carried as symbols of royal authority at events attended by English kings. USC’s mace was first used at the inauguration of President Norman Topping on Oct. 28, 1958.
The mace was designed and crafted by Hudson Roysher, a master silversmith, USC alumnus, and professor emeritus. Its head depicts the university seal and is encircled by the hand-engraved inscription “1880 University of Southern California.” The names of USC’s past presidents are engraved on the bowl. A depiction of the walled city of Troy crowns the mace.
The University Mace is permanently displayed in the Office of the President.