Joan Gabel was officially inaugrated on Friday at the 17th president in the history of the University of Minnesota inauguration at McNamara Alumni Center.
The mace dates back to 1961.
The day-long series of events includes Gabel making her way to Northrup on the Scholar's Walk, joined by the University of Minnesota marching band, as well as the regents and mascots from all five system campuses.
There is also a campus community party on the mall in front of Northrup after Gabel's speech.
Gabel is the first woman to serve as president of the U of M in its 168-year history.
She began her tenure on July 1, replacing Eric Kaler, who stepped down as president one year before his contract expired.
Kaler remains a member of the university faculty.
Gabel came to Minnesota after serving four years as provost at the University of South Carolina.
She was the regents' sole finalist in the search for Kaler's replacement, and agreed to a five-year contract.