By Sean LaPlaca

Dr. Eli I. Capilouto’s investiture ceremony marked a change in UK’s history, as it honored UK’s 12th president in nearly 150 years of existence.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Board of Trustees Chair Britt Brockman and UK Senate Council Chair Dr. Hollie Swanson presented the presidential medallion to Capilouto.

Capilouto spoke about the meaningful advice given from past presidents, such as 10th President Charles T. Wethington Jr. and 11th President Lee Todd, who were both in attendance for the ceremony. He also spoke about the rich legacy at UK, saying the university is truly remarkable and that it has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.

“The University of Kentucky is a promise — one that is manifest in each of us,” he said.

Capilouto covered future issues he plans to address. He said he wants to focus on rebuilding campus, which includes building new classroom space and repairing and expanding student housing.

He also will focus on growing scholarship funds and making buildings more accesible to people with disabilities.

He explained that construction costs are very low and said with the help of the state and the UK community, everyone can take care of the university.

“There is no easy time. There is only our time. And this is the University of Kentucky’s time — because we must honor our promise,” Capilouto said.

Student Government President Micah Fielden participated in the ceremony and said it was an honor.

“It is a pivotal time to see how people are encouraged about the ways to make the university better,” he said.

Fielden said the university will greatly change. “He is going to revolutionize our university,” he said.

UK alumnus David Cassim attended the ceremony.

“It is exciting to hear the plans of our university, and I hope he is successful,” he said of Capilouto.

The UK Wind Ensemble and the University Chorale both performed during the ceremony. Speakers included Brockman, Fielden, UK Alumni Association President Cammie Grant and Swanson, in addition to Capilouto.

“We cannot wait or be held back because we were afraid to take the first steps,” Capilouto said.