John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Stanford University celebrated the inauguration of its 13th President, Jonathan Levin, on Friday. Levin, a Stanford alumnus from the class of 1994, emphasized the university's pioneering spirit and commitment to discovery and learning in his inaugural address.
“For me, like so many others, the intellectual expansiveness of the Stanford campus has always been intertwined with the physical expansiveness of the American West,” Levin said. He underscored that Stanford’s core purpose is to create and share knowledge while preparing students to be curious and think critically.
Levin took office on August 1 after serving as dean of the Graduate School of Business for eight years. He succeeded Richard Saller, who served as interim president since September 2023. Levin is noted for being the first Stanford graduate to become president since J.E. Wallace Sterling and the first undergraduate alumnus since Donald Tresidder.
Reflecting on Stanford’s role in society, Levin described its dedication to discovery and learning as its North Star. He stressed that fostering open discussion and pushing boundaries are essential components of this mission. “We exist as a university to create and share knowledge, and to prepare students to be curious, to think critically, to flourish and contribute to the world,” he stated.
The inauguration ceremony at Frost Amphitheater included a faculty procession following the university flag. Attendees included students, faculty, staff, alumni, distinguished guests such as previous presidents Gerhard Casper, John Hennessy, Marc Tessier-Lavigne; former provosts Persis Drell; Condoleezza Rice; Richard Saller; Board Chair Jerry Yang; members of Faculty Senate; elected officials; leaders from peer universities; friends of Stanford University.
Yang praised Levin's integrity and vision: “He brings a fresh perspective and a clear vision that will help Stanford navigate the challenges of today.” Yang carried out Levin’s investiture with Shivam Patel by presenting him with the presidential robe worn at ceremonial occasions.
Provost Jenny Martinez read an excerpt from Alfred Tennyson’s “Ulysses” during a ceremony featuring music by The Bay Brass and acapella group Stanford Talisman along with a reimagined performance of Stanford Hymn by alumni.
Student Senkai Hsia delivered closing remarks expressing optimism about Stanford's future under Levin's leadership: “In Jon Levin we will be led by a president whose values I aspire to emulate.”
Following formalities was an inauguration celebration on Main Quad where attendees enjoyed food games entertainment including performances by various student groups like Stanford Jazz Orchestra Mariachi Cardenal de Stanford Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band among others. President Levin mingled with attendees including Andy Yang from Law School who appreciated his speech community sense brought after-party energy terrific new chapter history Yujen Lin symbolic systems member Dollies found event fun met Move-In Day awesome dude Michael McFaul director Freeman Spogli Institute believes sky limit under leadership understands perfect person moment time also professor political science senior fellow Hoover Institution Woods Institute Environment
Read complete remarks Jonathan Levin prepared delivery inauguration 13th president urged new first-year transfer students ask big questions Tuesday Convocation ceremony
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