Northwestern State University will host an Investiture Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception for NSU’s 18th President, Dr. James Henderson. The mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015.
Please note that Second Street from Church Street to Rue St. Denis will be closed from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for this event.
An Investiture Mass will be celebrated in President and Mrs. Henderson’s home church, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, at 9 a.m. This historic Diocesan celebration will include the Bishops of Alexandria and Shreveport, local and visiting clergy, and the principal homilist will be Msgr. Earl Provenza, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Shreveport.
Dr. James Braswell Henderson will be officially inaugurated as the 18th president of Northwestern State University as part of the Investiture Ceremonies at 11 a.m. The investiture is the formal ceremony of conferring the authority and symbols of high and will draw on Northwestern State’s treasured traditions and global academic excellence, while emphasizing the university’s promise in a new century and new direction. It is an ancient academic ceremony that has symbolized the pursuit of knowledge since the Middle Ages. President Henderson will be robed with the Presidential Academic Regalia, a gift by the Student Government Association. He will also be donned with the President’s Chain, which is worn at formal academic functions, such as Commencement. The event, which will include faculty, staff, and students, will be held in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on the Northwestern State campus. It is free and open to the public.
The Community Reception offers a social time for the Natchitoches and Northwestern State communities to gather in celebration of the inauguration of President Henderson and to meet him and his family.
Parking for the reception will be available in front of and behind Roy Hall and in the parking lot across from the Wellness, Recreation and Activities Center. Some club cars will be available for assistance.