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For Release Upon Receipt — April 27 , 2006

Robert A. Brown Inaugurated as Boston University's 10th President

Learning, Excellence, Connectivity, Engagement & Inclusion to Form BU’s Future

(Boston) — Citing five themes in his inaugural remarks that will shape the vision for the university’s future during his administration, former MIT Provost Robert A. Brown was formally installed as Boston University’s 10th president at ceremonies held today at BU’s Agganis Arena.

“In my short time here I have begun constructing an image of what our university can become for us and for the future students and faculty who join our community,” said Brown in his inaugural address to over 2,000 attendees. “I cannot give you a prescription for the institution but I can talk about five words that are shaping the images: learning, excellence, connectivity, engagement and inclusion.”

Selected in May 2005, Dr. Brown, 54, assumed the BU presidency in September after 25 years at MIT, the final seven as provost. A distinguished scholar and an innovative leader in higher education, the San Antonio native earned his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota and a B.S. and M.S. in chemical engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.

He succeeded Aram V. Chobanian, M.D., president ad interim from October 2003 until June 2005, when he was named the university’s ninth president.

“Learning flourishes here in the traditional classroom settings; however equally important, learning occurs by engagement in the world around us,” declared Brown. “Instilling the never-ending drive for excellence…will remain a central theme of our university. Perhaps the most challenging vision is to be known as one connected, integrated community of scholars and students, researchers and learners…we can become the large private university known for thinking about the whole.

“Creating knowledge for society and educating our future generations is a ‘contact sport,’ explained Brown. “Our university…must be engaged in all facets of the world. The legacy of Boston University demands that we do everything in our power to make our campus inclusive of all people who have the intellect and drive to be members of our community.”

Alan Leventhal, chairman of the Boston University Board of Trustees, invested Dr. Brown, who leads the nation’s fourth largest private university. Over 31,000 students attend BU and its 17 schools and colleges, and it employs more than 9,300 faculty and staff, making it Boston’s fourth largest employer.

“Dr. Brown possesses the vision and leadership qualities to advance Boston University as a premier, large, urban research university,” stated Leventhal. “His commitment to collaboration, inclusiveness and a desire for rich relationships with faculty, students and staff will serve as the bedrock for a strong and effective administration.”

The inauguration began at 1 p.m. with a Service of Thanksgiving at BU’s Marsh Chapel, followed by a formal robing ceremony and procession to the Agganis Arena. Following Leventhal’s welcome, he introduced University Trustee Elaine Kirshenbaum, co-chair of the Inaugural Advisory Committee, who spoke on behalf of the committee, followed by remarks from Lawrence S. Bacow, president of Tufts University, who represented the academic community. Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill offered greetings from the Commonwealth, while Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino delivered the city’s congratulations.

BU Student Union President Jonathan Marker spoke on behalf of the students, followed by faculty greetings from Trustee and Professor Roscoe Giles, who chairs the Faculty Council and who co-chaired the Inaugural Advisory Council. Trustee and BU Alumni Council President Ronald G. Garriques welcomed Brown on behalf of alumni. David D’Alessandro, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, offered his reflections just prior to the investing ceremony.

“I truly believe that universities are places where dreams come true; where having an imagination is paramount and where hard work and intelligence are all that matters to excel in education and research,” declared Brown in his conclusion. “My most profound goal is to help Boston University be this type of institution for our students and faculty.”

To close the inaugural events, the public is invited to join members of the BU community at the School of Management Auditorium on Friday, April 28, beginning at 8:30 a.m., for four symposia focused on the university’s multi-faceted influence on the world and the City of Boston, as well as its impact as an educator and on society through its innovative scientific investigations.

Founded in 1839, Boston University is an internationally recognized institution of higher education and research.