Campus News

The Inauguration of Ernest Hatch Wilkins

October 23, 2019
Communications Staff
Ernest Hatch Wilkins, Oberlin College's seventh president
Ernest Hatch Wilkins, Oberlin College’s seventh president. Photo credit: Courtesy of Oberlin College Archives

"In Oberlin History" is a series dedicated to notable events in Oberlin College history. It is created in partnership with the Office of Communications and Oberlin College Archives.

Ninety-two years ago on October 24, 1927, Ernest Hatch Wilkins was inaugurated as Oberlin College’s seventh president. Wilkins served as president until 1946. As part of the inauguration exercises, a grand academic procession took place and included Oberlin College faculty, trustees, the 1928 senior class, and delegates from universities around the United States and the world. Wilkins was installed by Theodore Elijah Burton, former Oberlin College trustee.

The academic procession for the inauguration of Ernest Hatch Wilkins.
The academic procession for the inauguration of Ernest Hatch Wilkins. Courtesy of Oberlin College Archives.

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