Calling the presidency of his alma mater "a sacred trust," James F. Barker, Class of 1970, officially was inaugurated as Clemson University president April 7 before a crowd of more than 2,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends gathered in the Outdoor Theater.

"It is the single honor of my life to accept this responsibility as Clemson's 14th president," Barker said in his inaugural address, which was preceded by the presentation of items symbolizing the distinctive roles that he plays at Clemson.

Barker received an academic gown bearing the University seal, which represents his academic authority; a copy of the will of founder Thomas Green Clemson and the act of acceptance of that will by the state of South Carolina, signifying his legislative authority; and a chain that represents his magisterial authority as "city manager" of a university that is also a separate municipality.

With his inauguration coming just one day after Founder's Day, Barker noted that Clemson University started as one man's idea. Thomas Green Clemson's death on April 6, 1888 -- more specifically, his will that bequeathed his land and assets to the state of South Carolina for the purpose of creating a new college -- set in motion a series of events that led to the founding of Clemson University in 1889.

Quoting his presidential predecessors, Barker identified qualities that define the idea of Clemson.

"The idea of Clemson is inclusive, not exclusive," he said, noting that the founder's will specifically said his college should benefit the working class.

"The idea of Clemson is indomitable," he said, surviving war, economic crisis, student walk-outs, "and yes, losing football teams, to emerge stronger after each test."

In recalling that Clemson changed from an all-male, all-white, military institution to a desegregated, coeducational, civilian college and implemented a major academic reorganization all within the span of 40 years, Barker said "the idea of Clemson is bold, innovative, even radical.

"The charge that I have been given is to ensure that the idea of Clemson will be stronger at the end of my service than it is now," he said. "I am convinced that there is no university in America stronger than Clemson when we are 'one Clemson.' A united Clemson is unstoppable."

The inauguration opened with a procession of faculty, staff and students, many dressed in full academic regalia, across campus. Joining in the procession were government officials, representatives of other universities and academic societies, and alumni representing classes from 1927 to 1999. The University's Outdoor Theater setting was flanked by a display of 73 flags, one from every nation represented in the Clemson student body.

Barker, a native of Kingsport, Tenn., was named president in October 1999, after having served as dean of Clemson's College of Architecture and then the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities. He is a recipient of the National Distinguished Professor Award of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and served as president of that association. Barker was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.