• Sunday, February 19, 2012
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U. of New Hampshire President Holds Cheap, Green Inauguration

The Chronicle recently reported on the “pomp and spectacle” of inaugural galas for college presidents, which can cost upward of $200,000. Mark W. Huddleston, president of the University of New Hampshire, took note of the article, citing it from the podium during his own inauguration on Tuesday.

In his speech Mr. Huddleston said the ceremony cost little and had almost no carbon footprint. He also said: “I hope The Chronicle of Higher Education is paying attention. Last June they ran a front-page story headlined ‘At Inaugural Galas, Nothing Succeeds Like Excess.’ I’d like them to do one about UNH titled ‘For At Least One Inauguration, Nothing Succeeds Like Nothing.’ Although that probably sounds too much like an episode of Seinfeld.

Mr. Huddleston, consider it done, except for the headline suggestion. Only trained professionals can write those. —Paul Fain