Last Thursday, about 1,500 students, professors, alumni, and members of the University gathered in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center to commemorate the official inauguration of University President Frederick Lawrence. In his address, Lawrence stated that he would "devote every fiber of [his] being" to "nurture" the University.

"This is not a pledge that I can fulfill alone," continued Lawrence. "Brandeis has always been about community-the Brandeis family-and now more than ever, we draw together as a family to chart our course in the years ahead."

"The challenge we face is literally the challenge to justify the liberal arts tradition on which we are founded," said Lawrence.

Lawrence delivered a "challenge" to members of the University: "Find a mentor who inspires you," Lawrence said to students. "Be a mentor for others and inspire them."

Lawrence told students to take classes outside of their "comfort zone," to "study hard," to "have fun," to "care for each other," to enjoy their time at school and to keep their connections with the University after graduation.

To alumni, he said, "You have rights as a member of this family, but you have responsibilities as well," said Lawrence. "Remember who you were when you were here and connect with that person and with us."

To the trustees, Lawrence said, "Dream with me and work with me as we build a greater university and inspire a new generation."

"Hold fast to that intellectual curiosity that first brought you to the academy," Lawrence said to faculty members. "Take risks. Inspire each other to take risks."

"I promise you," said Lawrence to the audience, "We will listen. We will be open to new ideas. We will encourage open debate. We will lead by example. We will be unafraid to confront the challenges ahead."

The inauguration ceremony began with the presentation of the procession, announced by Associate Vice President John Hose, followed by an invocation delivered by Rabbi William G. Hamilton of Kehillath Israel of Brookline, Mass., of which Lawrence is a member.

Chair of the Board of Trustees Malcolm Sherman delivered a welcome message, saying that during the search process for the University's president, Lawrence demonstrated himself as the candidate who "best embodied the personal [and] professional" qualities to serve the University.

Professor and Chair of the Faculty Senate Timothy Hickey (COSI) delivered greetings from the faculty and spoke of the faculty's anticipation of Lawrence's term as president.

"For the past several months," said Hickey, "we've enjoyed getting to know you as a respected colleague and an admired leader." Hickey said that Lawrence's arrival brought a "renewed sense of well-justified optimism" about the University's future.

"You have demonstrated an ability to lead by uniting the community behind a common mission," said Hickey.

Hickey was followed by Student Union President Daniel Acheampong '11, who said that from his and Lawrence's first meeting, he knew that Lawrence was the "right man for the job."

"He wanted to know about student concerns," said Acheampong. "He was passionate about the student body, and he wanted to get involved immediately."

Acheampong also noted Larwence's decision to include students on the search committee for a new provost and his participation in the Battle of the Brandeis DJs event.

"I believe in your dream to make Brandeis a global example," said Acheampong to Lawrence. "I believe in your dream to push Brandeis to unexplored territories and heights."

President of the Graduate Student Union Jane Harries also welcomed Lawrence and said that she was enthusiastic about Lawrence's decision to include students in processes such as searching for provosts and other administrative positions.

President of the Alumni Association Allen Alter '71 also welcomed Lawrence, calling him the "right fit" for the University and said that the alumni would work with the president to build an "even better Brandeis."

President of the Brandeis National Committee Leslie Pearlstein said that all of the committee's chapters agreed that Lawrence was "down to earth" and "easy to talk to" and that the BNC would look forward to providing financial support to the University.

President of Northwestern University Morton Schapiro said Brandeis is a "special place" because of its establishment as the only non-sectarian and Jewish-sponsored university and that its progress since its founding has been "nothing short of astounding."

Schapiro noted that Brandeis is a member of the American Association of Universities and its position as a research university with a liberal arts focus. Schapiro told of "witty" comments made by former university presidents and joked that he was glad the Lawrence was not "scared away" by them.

The ceremony was followed by a reception for attendees of the ceremony.

"Overall, ... I thought this was an amazing ceremony," said Senior Representative to the Alumni Association Sam Fuchs '11 in an interview with the Justice. "I enjoyed all the speakers. I really liked President Lawrence's address; it just reaffirms what I already knew was true about him: that he's the perfect guy for the job."

"It feels like the University has now been handed to a great leader who is going to do fantastically well, and I look forward to hearing about his great achievements and I will do whatever I can to help him," said President Emeritus Jehuda Reinharz in an interview with the Justice.

"I thought it was amazing, it was well put-together, and all the speakers offered encouraging words that really spoke to me and I know really spoke to President Lawrence," said Stephanie Johnson '13 in an interview with the Justice.

"I think this is a fabulous day for the whole campus community and even beyond. I think the energy and excitement and happiness in the room is palpable," said Provost Marty Krauss in an interview with the Justice. "I think everyone is just very optimistic and happy for him and his family and happy for us."

Lawrence was appointed as President-elect in May 2010, succeeding Reinharz. Lawrence is the eighth person to serve as University President since the University's establishment in 1948.

-Brian Fromm, Emily Kraus, Fiona Lockyer and Andrew Wingens contributed reporting