Excerpted remarks from inauguration
Thomas. M. Menino
Mayor of Boston
Representing elected officials
“In the fall of 2005, we hear that our friend Richard Freeland is stepping down as your president. Then we watch as all of you go through your presidential search. Then we hear that you were bringing in an educational leader from the West Coast.
“We want to know his background, of course. And so we take a look at his ‘former place of employment.’ We find out that his former place of employment had received honors for the constructive bonds that it had forged with local schools, and community residents, and police, and business and community organizations.
“That sounded pretty good to us.
“It’s been a great pleasure to welcome President Aoun to Boston, to have the chance to show him around some of our neighborhoods, and to begin to think about how this city and this university can continue to work together in the years ahead.”
Daniel L. Smith
Vice president, Raytheon Company
President, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
Representing the corporate community and cooperative education employers
“Today we work together to develop the cooperative education program, so Northeastern students can enrich their education with hands-on experience and companies can develop effective strategies for building a globally competitive workforce.
“We work together on academic curricula, so Northeastern’s programs remain on the cutting edge and Northeastern students learn what they need to know to succeed at our companies.
“And we work together on research, so that we can contribute to the economic and scientific vitality of this city, our Commonwealth, and our nation.
“These partnerships are a winning proposition if there ever was one.”
Katherine N. Pendergast
Vice president, human resources management
Representing the staff and administration
“Northeastern has been fortunate to have great presidents whose leadership, vision, and inspiration have challenged us all to build an institution of ever greater accomplishment and success. . . . With great anticipation for all that lies ahead, we welcome you to Northeastern.”
Barbara C. Alleyne, LA’70
Representing alumni
“Northeastern enriched our lives, and Northeastern holds out that same promise today for the young women and men who will follow in our footsteps.
“President Aoun, I bring you greetings from Northeastern’s family of alums, who are proud of Northeastern’s progress and excited about its future. We are ready to do our part so that we can—together—write another inspired chapter in our alma mater’s history.”
Neal F. Finnegan, BA’61, H’98
Chair, Board of Trustees
Installing the new president
“As you consider Northeastern’s great traditions, we trust that you will be guided and inspired—in your actions and decisions—by the three words that constitute our motto: ‘Lux, Veritas, Virtus.’ These words appear on the university’s seal. . . .
“May you be inspired by these simple words—light, truth, and courage.
“May you also be guided by the words of our charter, which reads, in part, ‘The university shall exist for the purpose of providing instruction in any and all branches of learning.’
Be innovative, experimental, experiential, and creative. Be
distinctive in a field of excellence, as you assume the awesome responsibility of this presidency. Remember our solemn commitment to keep our promises to the young people who chose Northeastern.”
Angela Menino
Representing the neighborhoods and children of Boston
“You will hear from many people today that Boston is a world-class city—and indeed it is.
“Northeastern is becoming a world-class university, and it holds a special place in our hearts for the work it does right here in the surrounding neighborhoods of Roxbury, the Fenway, the South End, and Mission Hill.
“When Northeastern supports our children, and works in partnership with our neighborhoods, you help make Boston a more vital city.”
Rogan O'Handley
President, Student Government Association
Simal Gaglani
President, Graduate and Professional Student Association
Representing students
O’Handley: “In the lecture hall, on co-op, overseas studying abroad, or here in the neighborhoods doing community service . . .”
Gaglani: “In the research lab, as teaching assistants, or when writing our dissertations . . .”
O’Handley: “Our future depends upon the quality and vitality of this university.”
Gaglani: “President Aoun, we bring you greetings from Northeastern’s undergraduate and graduate students.”
O’Handley: “And we look forward to working with you to make sure that the Northeastern flame burns anew for generations to come.”
Deval Patrick
Governor of Massachusetts
“I can tell you, having spent time with Dr. Aoun, the best is yet to come. I really, really look forward to our future partnerships.”
Edward M. Kennedy
U.S. Senate
From a letter of congratulation
“I extend my warmest congratulations to you on this impressive occasion. . . . I’m sure that, under your leadership, Northeastern will find new ways to attract and educate the next generation of leaders in our Commonwealth, and I look forward very much to working with you in the years ahead.
“Northeastern is fortunate to have you leading them forward to new heights of academic excellence, and I send best wishes to you and your family as you celebrate your inauguration.”
John F. Kerry
U.S. Senate
From a letter of congratulation
“Your commitment to excellence as dean of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at the University of Southern California has already been confirmed in your first six months at Northeastern. You are helping Northeastern reach its goal of having a global impact through capitalizing on its already distinctive strengths, like its cooperative programs, its interdisciplinary research, and its comprehensive affiliations within the Boston area.
“I have confidence that you will be successful in your ability to reach out and seek more opportunities for both research and scholarship that will better both the university and the global population.”