Richard Thompson G'67
Chairman of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees
Good afternoon, everyone. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, let me welcome everyone here today, especially the many friends, family, and fans of Kent Syverud. And Justice O'Connor, those remarks absolutely capture both your integrity as a Justice, and Kent Syverud's integrity as our next Chancellor. Thank you very much.
Today marks an incredibly momentous day in the history of Syracuse University, as we officially inaugurate into office Chancellor and President Kent Syverud. The fact that Chancellor Syverud is just the 12th Chancellor to lead the University since its founding 144 years ago speaks both to the enormity of this occasion and to the extraordinary character and leadership qualities of the man himself.
Throughout our history, Syracuse University has been guided by great stewards whose distinctive combination of strengths and skills provided strategic leadership that was responsive to the times and to the evolving aspirations of the University. Today, Chancellor Syverud takes his place among this distinguished line of leaders and promises to both perpetuate and build on Syracuse’s proud legacy of excellence.
Enthusiastically recommended by the Chancellor Search Committee last fall and unanimously selected by an equally enthusiastic Board of Trustees, Chancellor Syverud is as an outstanding scholar, an award-winning teacher, and an astute and revered academic leader. We are deeply fortunate to have such an accomplished and dedicated leader at the helm of Syracuse University as it continues to build on its standing as one of the world’s great private universities.
I now therefore ask Chancellor Syverud to please step forward and join me. I have before me the Chancellor’s Medallion—the official symbol of this high office and of the profound responsibilities incumbent upon those who accept it.
Kent D. Syverud, it is now my solemn duty and personal pleasure, as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, acting on behalf of the faculty, the student body, the alumni, and the Trustees, to declare you to be duly installed as the 12th Chancellor of Syracuse University, with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities thereunto pertaining. I charge you to execute faithfully the governance of this institution, and within that framework to provide the free environment in which sound learning and academic scholarship may flourish.
Congratulations.