May 2001

Chamberlain Is New University Marshal By Lynn Burke Commencement ceremonies are rich with tradition and pageantry, and George Mason's Commencement on Saturday, May 12, will be no exception. Leading the ceremony this year will be a new university marshal--Jeff Chamberlain, chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department. Chamberlain replaces long-time marshal Michael McDermott, who retired last year. And what exactly does the marshal do? "The marshal makes sure that everyone is in the right place at the right time," says Chamberlain. The position is honorary, he says, but it has involved meeting with Events Management and the faculty marshals to decide what to do and how to do it. In the past, McDermott has spoken to the students at the rehearsal the Thursday before Commencement, and Chamberlain plans to continue the tradition. At that time, he will go over the "nuts and bolts" of graduation and explain something about academic regalia. The next day, Chamberlain will rehearse with the platform party, which includes the university president, the Board of Visitors, speakers, and others. Chamberlain has long been active in George Mason's Commencements, enjoying the ceremony and the chance to salute his former students. When McDermott asked him whether he was interested in serving as University Marshal, Chamberlain said yes. Last year, he shadowed McDermott to see all that was involved. Then, after an interview with President Alan Merten, Chamberlain was appointed to the post. On the day of Commencement, Chamberlain will lead the procession carrying the university mace. "I'm looking forward to it," he says.