Underneath a sky the same hue as the fluttering Tar Heel flags, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill yesterday inducted its new chancellor, James Moeser, officially ending a lengthy search.
Moeser's induction was not the only cause for festivity yesterday: UNC also celebrated University Day and recognized its distinguished alumni.
The day's overall theme was one of improvement in education-with much emphasis placed on the upcoming bond referendum.
"Today, we... have before us a defining moment," Moeser said. "I speak, of course, of the $3.1 billion bond referendum for higher education that North Carolina's voters will consider on Nov. 7."
If passed, the UNC campuses and North Carolina community colleges will use the $3.1 billion dollar bond for construction, repairs and renovation.
Gov. Jim Hunt highlighted the bond issue during his opening remarks by pointing to the peeling white paint of a nearby university building. He explained that the bond is essential to the schools because they have more serious problems than just crumbling paint.
"The bond bill is the key that opens the lock to the future...," Moeser agreed. "The bond referendum and our campaign set the stage for what can be a profound transformation of the university in the new century, a defining moment of major proportion."
Apart from the bond issue, Moeser spoke of a glorious future for UNC.
"With the smiling face of providence and hard work by all of us, we stand at the precipice of a new golden age for Carolina, a 21st century renaissance," Moeser said.
North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Henry Frye swore in Moeser as the school's ninth chancellor. He succeeds interim Chancellor Bill McCoy, who replaced Michael Hooker. Hooker died of cancer last year.
Moeser left his job as chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln to accept the new position.
Among the alumni that UNC recognized was Duke's Douglas B. Maggs Professor of Law Walter Dellinger. UNC Secretary of the Faculty Joseph Ferrell acknowledged that-contingent on the presidential race-Dellinger could be appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
Despite the cheery atmosphere, one dark cloud loomed in the Carolina blue sky: A small gathering of employees held a protest for collective bargaining rights. Although the placard-waving group chanted loudly during some speeches, the speakers did not appear rattled by the rally.
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