Scenes from Inauguration Week
The Installation Ceremony
Hundreds of faculty, staff, students, alumni, neighbors, and academic leaders gathered on the Medford/Somerville campus to witness the installation of Sunil Kumar as the 14th president of Tufts University. The procession included members of the Board of Trustees, delegates from other institutes of higher learning, and Tufts faculty members, including Bree Aldridge, professor of molecular biology and microbiology at the School of Medicine, who served as presenter for the ceremony and was a member of the search committee to select President Kumar.
Academic Symposium
On October 4, the academic symposium “One Health: Tufts Making an Impact” brought together faculty and students from across all the university’s schools to discuss research that takes a holistic view of the health of people, animals, and the environment. The event was held at the School of Medicine and featured multiple speakers and panels.
Scientists presented research on the impacts of air pollution, extreme heat, and the built environment on human health, as well as the global risks of zoonotic disease spillover to humans. A central theme was the importance of taking a global approach to tackle issues from food security to climate resilience. Speakers also addressed the critical role of representation and the need to diversify the scientific workforce while prioritizing the lived experiences of patients in research agendas.
President Kumar, noting the humility with which the researchers are undertaking their vital projects, praised their willingness to work with colleagues outside their disciplines at other Tufts’ schools to meet their goals. “We need to think small, as a family, in order to bring things together,” he said.
When it comes to research at Tufts, Kumar said that he sees his role as somewhat of a taxi driver: “I want to take you all to where you want to go.”
Chinatown Community Welcome Luncheon
October 5 brought President Kumar to Chinatown, home of Tufts’ Health Sciences Campus. He was given a tour of the Pao Arts Center, Chinatown’s first arts and cultural center and a community space for events, classes, performances, and exhibits. He then met with Chinatown leaders, nonprofit community partners, and Boston elected officials over a dim sum lunch at Hei La Moon restaurant. He was joined by Tufts students, faculty, and staff who are active in various community projects.
Read more about inauguration week.