Washington University School of Medicine Digital Commons@Becker Washington University Record Washington University Publications 10-12-1995 Washington University Record, October 12, 1995 Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record Recommended Citation "Washington University Record, October 12, 1995" (1995). Washington University Record. Book 702. http://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/record/702 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Washington University Publications at Digital Commons@Becker. It has been accepted for inclusion in Washington University Record by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Becker. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ft Inauguration Issue i?) ZETS '?* xos WASHINGTON V13PWVS S UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS Vol. 20 No. 8 Oct. 12, 1995 Nearly 3,000 people in Brookings Quadrangle gave a standing ovation to Mark S. Wrighton, Ph.D., (center) as he was formally installed as Washington University's 14th chancellor. Moments earlier, William H. Danforth (right), chairman of the Board of Trustees, placed the Chancellor's Medallion around Wrighton's neck. Wrighton: 'Our work awaits us' Mark S. Wrighton's installation The Installation Ceremony was part of large section of students, who buttressed Quadrangle throughout the event, and as Washington University's a daylong series of events to commemo- the applause with cheers. Those cheers blustery winds whipped through the audi- 14th chancellor commences a rate Wrighton's inauguration. Other were directed at both Danforth, the sym- ence. When Wrighton began his Inaugural new era for the institution. For events included a symposium, a student bolic father figure of what he calls the Address, he quipped that perhaps Peterson the first time in 24 years, a new chancellor festival and gala, a luncheon and a recep- "Washington University family," and should sing one additional song, "The Sun has assumed the University's top leadership tion. (A story and photos about the stu- Wrighton, the new head of that family. Will Come Out Tomorrow." role. Since 1971, William H. Danforth has dent events appear on page 3.) Moments later, when Grand Marshal Wrighton began his Inaugural Address guided the University into the ranks of the Danforth, who now is chairman of the Burton M. Wheeler, Ph.D., professor of by accepting the invitation to lead the most respected research universities in the Board of Trustees, presented the opening English and of religious studies, called University: "Members of the Washington world. remarks at the Installation Ceremony, and Danforth to the podium to present the University community and distinguished On Friday, Oct. 6, Danforth presented he was quick to sing the praises of the opening remarks, the audience immedi- guests, I accept appointment as chancellor the symbol of the University's leadership University's 14th chancellor. ately leapt to its feet and again offered a of Washington University in St. Louis. I do to Wrighton by placing the Chancellor's "Washington University round of applause. In a sense, so with enthusiasm, mindful of the confi- Medallion around Wrighton's neck at the works hard at choosing a new the audience members were dence and trust placed in me, the responsi- Installation Ceremony. The golden medal- leader," Danforth said. "A 24- saying their final goodbyes to bilities before me, and the high expecta- lion, a symbol of the office of the chancel- person committee... searched Chancellor Danforth and, at tions that accompany such an appointment. lor, glistened under the lights of Beaumont the world over for the ideal the same time, were offering My promises are to do my very best for Pavilion as it landed softly against person. After about a year, a warm welcome to Chair- Washington University and to work hard to Wrighton's chest. they came to the unanimous man Danforth. sustain the trajectory of improvement that Danforth then presented Wrighton with conclusion that that indi- Eight members of the has characterized this great University a specially crafted copy of the University's vidual was Mark S. University community under the leadership of Chancellor William charter. Danforth said the charter was "a Wrighton.... He is recog- greeted Wrighton. Speaking H. Danforth and his life partner, Elizabeth. symbol of the vision, the idealism, the hope nized and respected in the on behalf of the faculty, staff, It is an honor to be selected to follow such and the optimism that has inspired the highest circles of academia, undergraduate and graduate a distinguished and accomplished univer- people of this institution for 142 years." industry and government. students, parents, alumni, sity leader." (Wrighton s speech appears on Wrighton concluded his Inaugural "It was the qualities of trustees and other college and pages 4-5.) Address and commenced his chancellor- heart and mind that made university presidents, the While Wrighton praised Danforth's ship by saying: "I pledge to work to build Mark so attractive to the greeters welcomed Wrighton leadership, Danforth himself assured the a brighter future for those who follow search committee and the to the family. (The greeters' audience that Wrighton, too, will make a us, and I ask your support in this effort. board. All were excited by his wide- remarks appear on page 2.) great leader. Danforth told the audience: May the 'Spirit of St. Louis' move among ranging intellect, his quick, retentive Music was woven into the ceremony. "I predict that a quarter of a century from us in our quest for knowledge and creative mind, his imagination, his ability to Elizabeth Peterson, a 1995 alumna, sang now, people will be saying, 'How can contributions that bring benefits to society. listen, to understand and then to come to "America the Beautiful" at the beginning, Washington University ever replace Chan- Let us set this day of inauguration as our judicious, sensible conclusions. All were with accompanying music by the Mighty cellor Wrighton? No one can fill his shoes. day of commencement toward achieving impressed by his energy, his reputation Mississippi Concert Band of St. Louis, Under his leadership, we have experienced our mission. Our work awaits us. Let us for integrity and the admiration of those directed by Dan Presgrave, director of Washington University's golden age.'" begin." who worked most closely with him." instrumental ensembles and lecturer in And so the Wrighton Era begins. Nearly 3,000 people watched as At the beginning of the ceremony, music. The University Chamber Choir, — Michael Slatin Wrighton, Ph.D., was formally installed as Danforth and Wrighton walked side-by- directed by John H. Stewart, associate the next chancellor of Washington Univer- side at the end of a 460-person academic professor of music, sang Randall sity. Faculty members, students, staff, procession. The audience erupted in Thompson's "Alleluia" midway through Coverage of the Inaugural delegates from other colleges and universi- applause as the two leaders, dressed in the ceremony. The choir also led the ties, and members of Wrighton's family traditional academic attire, entered audience in singing the alma mater at the Symposium appears attended the 90-minute ceremony in Brookings Quadrangle. The applause grew end of the ceremony. on page 7. Brookings Quadrangle. to a crescendo as they walked toward a Gray skies hovered over Brookings 2 Washington University Record Greeters welcome Wrighton to University family During the Installation Ceremony in clearly acknowledges the dedication that ued growth and development of this great For college and university Brookings Quadrangle, eight greeters, our University has for excellence." institution." presidents and international speaking on behalf of various Washington Rodi is the president of the Graduate White is vice chancellor for human University constituencies, welcomed Professional Council. resources. alumni: Ja Song MarkS. Wrighton as the University's "It is important to recognize the fact that 14th chancellor. The following are ex- For the undergraduate For the parents: our world, and in particular our universi- cerpts from their remarks. students: Mark Klapow David Habif ties, can no longer be limited by national or cultural "We the students feel a special sense of "As a group, we the parents are but one For the faculty: boundaries. ... excitement in welcoming this outstand- small part of Washington University, an Chancellor Gustav Schonfeld ing individual to our community. This extraordinary university, really, and one Wrighton, your "As Mark Wrighton undertakes this daunt- special sense is that means so sister universi- ing challenge, he will find the faculty partly a reflec- much to so ties at home supportive of his efforts. He has im- tion on the new many. ... For the and abroad look pressed all who chancellor parents, we send to you with have met him himself, but into your care great expecta- with his clear also an illustra- that which is tion, and your appreciation of tion of the most precious — alumni, particu- the require- pride that we as our children. larly those of us ments of first- students feel With them come Ja Song serving outside rank institu- toward Chan- the embodiment the United States, expect that you will tions. ... He cellor Wrighton of our dreams lead our alma mater to a new place in this seems to know and of our for the future, shrinking world, that Washington Univer- what is required, Mark Klapow enthusiasm at David Habif for them to grow sity will be one of the first in breaking but he does not the opening of this promising new era in and to develop into the best they can be. ... down the walls that continue to exist in impose; rather, our University's history. Today, however, Chancellor Wrighton, the parents wish the global village and will be a leader in Gustav Schonfeld he seeks ideas is not only about one man. Today is truly you only the best.