FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Investiture has a long history at Broward College – although it hasn’t always gone by that name.

In March 1961, local newspapers reported on the inauguration of Dr. Joe B. Rushing as the first president of what was then called the Junior College of Broward County. That ceremony took place at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale and included as guests other Florida community college presidents, plus the executive director of the American Association of Junior Colleges.

The celebration took place in the College’s early days, before the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus took shape in Davie. Inaugurations for later presidents evolved into investitures and took advantage of Central Campus’ large open spaces, with ceremonies hosted inside Bailey Hall following its opening in 1979. In 2004, President Larry A. Calderon's investiture ceremony was hosted in Bailey Hall, followed by an outdoor reception on the quad. Delegates from multiple Florida colleges and universities attended, coming as from as far as what was then called Pasco-Hernando Community College.

The College's traditions carry on Sept. 5 with the investiture of Torey Alston as the College’s eighth president and chief executive officer. For a full rundown of the ceremony, watch parties, livestream and related events, go here.

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