Some 350 dignitaries from Smith and 100 other colleges and universities marched in academic regalia at the start of installation ceremonies. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Ruth Simmons greets students during the all-college inaugural picnic. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Simmons delivers her inaugural address flanked by campus and community dignitaries, including former Smith presidents Mary Maples Dunn (left) and Jill Ker Conway (right). Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Simmons savors her first minutes as president with trustee chair Kate Belcher Webster '46 (center) and former president Mary Maples Dunn. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Top: Media magnet Simmons dons her academic robes amidst a flurry of photographers. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Simmons never lost touch with teachers who especially influenced her life, and welcomed two of them, Modria Caraway (left) and Vernell Lillie, at an inaugural reception. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Alumnae and students flocked around with excited good wishes. Photo by Jim Gipe.

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Back to NewsSmith's inauguration coverage

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