This is the recognition event for a retiring dean. I saw the Polish
equivalent of a convocation, which was done similarly. Much more
formal than at UMPI, but with pomp, ceremony and prestige. The rector
(president) and other VIPS are dressed in their academic best, which
includes metals and finery. To the left is a portion of the student
honor guard, with the school flags (see second picture, with myself
and a Chinese colleague). The session is completed with a lecture,
this one on climate change.