Bentley inaugurated its seventh, and first female, president on Friday, March 28, with upward of a thousand guests on hand for the historic occasion. Trustee chairman J. Terrance Carleton ’77 formally installed Gloria Cordes Larson, whose appointment took effect on July 1. Her inaugural address embraced the theme of connection.
“One of my most important roles as president is to further Bentley’s connections to the worlds I know: the worlds of business, education, government, law, nonprofits and [the broader] society, and to draw on my experiences to represent these worlds here,” President Larson said. “I want to enhance the connections that already exist with our many constituents and partners, and help build new ones in the singular ways we are so well positioned to do.”
Ethical lapses, financial scandals, and other corporate ills lend new urgency to the college’s mission to prepare “forward thinking and dynamic next-generation leaders,” she observed.
“These are ethically grounded leaders who combine left-brain analysis and business process skills with right-brain qualities of creativity, empathy, and an appreciation for other perspectives. These are leaders who will create and help build better organizations and better communities wherever in the world they go.”
Purposeful Focus
Before taking the podium, President Larson was welcomed by special guests representing the different communities of her past and present. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick spoke for the public service community. He praised the president’s skill at “moving easily from issue to issue without losing focus or purpose, because she understands both intellectually and intuitively the inherent interconnectedness of it all. She joins compassion, pragmatism, and a palpable love of life to her intelligence – making for an enviable and unusual blend. Bentley is wise indeed to have placed her at the helm.”
Other speakers were Rosabeth Moss Kanter, the Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, representing the academic community; and Cleve L. Killingsworth, chairman and CEO for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, who offered greetings from the business community.
The Bentley community was also well represented.
“You came to us from a world far different than academe, but bringing an enthusiasm and excitement for what you saw in us – and a way of looking at what we do in a different light,” observed faculty spokesman Joseph Newpol, chairman of the Faculty Senate and professor of taxation. The administration and staff representative was Julianne Britt, director of purchasing, administrative and campus services. “Know that we stand with you,” she said, “and that we look forward to a future illuminated by your commitment to innovation, creativity, and a better world.”
Student government presidents Michael Caliva ’08 BS and Daniel Berlin’08 MBA/MSHFID spoke, respectively, for undergraduates and for graduate and doctoral students. Caliva praised the president as “someone who will challenge us as individuals and as an institution.” Berlin acknowledged her impact as a role model. “Our graduates will leave with a more well-rounded view of business, recognizing that it’s not just about greater profits,” he said. “It’s also about giving back to the community,”
Privilege and Responsibility
Alumni Association President Paul Mastrocola ’90 extended a welcome from the 45,000-member community of Bentley graduates. “As alumni we have witnessed the incredible growth and development of the college. … Under your able leadership, the Bentley Alumni Association can become one of the most dedicated and loyal in higher education.”
After a videotaped biographical tribute, the new Bentley leader accepted the presidential robe and medallion bearing the college seal. “Yours will be the great privilege and responsibility of leading this college and its graduates to be responsible global citizens,” said Terry Carleton. “We are confident that your enthusiasm for the Bentley mission, your concern for the dignity of all, and your wise and prudent management will enable the fulfillment of this institution’s great promise for years to come.”
President Larson noted her gratitude to Bentley leaders past. Three former presidents – Gregory Adamian, Joseph Cronin and Joseph Morone – joined her on stage.
“I am so privileged to join Bentley at this propitious time,” she said. “What we do at Bentley matters, and we can make it matter more. … I pledge to devote my whole being to realizing our goals, and look to all of you as my indispensible partners.”