The presidential medallion will be presented to President Irvin D. Reid at his inauguration Sept. 18 at the Detroit Institute of Arts. A few facts on the medal:

_ First presented Oct. 28, 1965, at the inauguration of fifth President William Keast.

_ Created by the Medallic Art Co. of New York, NY.

_ When it was created in 1965 the medallion cost $765.59, including the medallion itself, a walnut frame, engraving, tax and shipping.

_ The medallion features the wreathed insignia of the university.

_ Medal is finished in antique silver, except for the center section containing the book and torch design. That is gold-plated.

_ Area around the center section is open, which allows the color of the gown to show through.

_ The medallion features the name of each of the university's nine presidents and the years they served. Irvin D. Reid is printed on the largest bar just above the circular portion of the medallion, and the previous presidents' names are printed on smaller bars that are attached to the chain.

_ Improvisation was key when the medal was first used at President William Keast's inauguration: A hook made from a paper clip substituted for the clasp originally supplied, which was difficult to use.

_ Metalsmithing Area Coordinator Jiro Masuda from the WSU art and art history department is creating a special pedestal for the medallion, which will be used in the inauguration. The 40-inch steel stand will feature six square rods of steel that taper up with a slanted piece of metal on top. The medallion will be displayed on the top so it is always visible to the audience. Masuda lives in Royal Oak.