The Investiture of Renu Khator

Event: The Investiture of Renu Khator
Venue: Cullen Hall, University of Houston

Indian Americans called November 7, 2008 a historic day as Renu Khator became the thirteenth president of the University Of Houston. Khator oversees a system with an annual operating budget that exceeds $1 billion, serves more than 57,000 students, and has an annual economic impact of $3 billion.

Investiture: “Formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of high office.”

In higher education, an investiture – traditionally held with the president’s first year in office. It is an ancient academic ceremony that has symbolized the pursuit of knowledge since the Middle Ages. Today, universities view investitures as an opportunity to welcome a new era and celebrate as a community.

The entire Indian community was very proud of her. In her speech Khator did not shy away from embracing her motherland India and her roots. “I was thrilled the way her speech concluded with Tagore’s poetry,” says Houston community leader Vijay Pallod.

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