Inauguration of Teresa A. Sullivan, U.Va.

An inauguration is an important inflection point in the history of a university. It is a time for the community to look inward and to consider its future. It is not about an individual, but a celebration of an institution, its values and mission.

A good way to do that is to focus inauguration events around our mission of teaching, research, public service, and health care.

The week is designed to engage students, staff, faculty, and alumni in different ways in the life of the University, whether it be through the interfaith service, the research/scholarship poster competition, the academic symposium, the day of service, or the inaugural walk. I wanted to make sure there would be something that reflects all aspects of our mission — as well as activities in which all members of our community see something for themselves.

My hope is that the range of activities will encourage broad participation in the inauguration. I know everyone here works hard on behalf of the University. April 15 should be a day on which we celebrate together our daily achievements — and our future aspirations.

- Teresa A. Sullivan