The transition of power: Dr. Cigarroa accepts the Presidential Medallion

"By the power vested in the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, I am pleased to officially install you as the president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, with all the rights, privileges and obligations pertaining to the chief executive officer."

Those were the words of Regent Patrick C. Oxford as he ceremoniously inaugurated Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa. Regents Oxford and Cyndi Taylor Krier presented Dr. Cigarroa with the Presidential Medallion, symbolizing the power of the presidential office.

"I charge you with the leadership of the six campuses comprising this one university, to educate the students, to inspire the faculty and staff, to provide this state with a new generation of health professionals, to encourage research that will create new knowledge, and to always represent this great state that has entrusted you with one of its highest honors," Regent Oxford said.

Dr. Cigarroa's wife, Graciela, and two daughters, Maria Cristina and Barbara Carisa, stood at his side as he accepted the four-inch, bronze medallion.

Academic Regalia

The custom of wearing academic dress stems from the 12th and 13th centuries, when scholars were also clerics and wore the costume of their monastic order. The distinctive gowns not only indicated academic rank, their floor-length capes and hoods were necessities in the cold, drafty buildings of the times. The hood was originally a cowl attached to the gown and could be slipped over the head for warmth. The cap was originally round, but has changed to the varieties we see today.

The gown varies for the respective degrees. The bachelor's gown is distinguished by its long, pointed sleeves. The master's gown has longer, fuller sleeves with slits near the elbow. The doctor's gown has full, bell-shaped sleeves with three horizontal bars stitched across the upper arm. The president's academic regalia has a fourth chevron and a special braid to denote presidential rank and authority. A velvet panel is draped around the neck and stitched down the front edges. The velvet trimming may be black or the same color as the velvet border of the hood. The hood also varies in size, shape and color for the respective degrees.

Presidential Medallion

The Presidential Medallion symbolizes the authority and responsibility invested in the president. It is worn at official ceremonies such as commencements, convocations and inaugurations. The medallion is inscribed with the Health Science Center seal. It is four inches in diameter and made of bronze.