BUMC Celebrates Historic Inauguration of President Melissa Gilliam
To those celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Melissa Gilliam as Boston University’s 11th president either at a watch party on the Medical Campus, or as part of the sizeable campus contingent who attended in person at Agganis Arena, there was a profound sense of history of the moment and enthusiasm for her message, including her call for tighter bonds between the two campuses, the need for increased collaborative research, the value of diversity and inclusion, and the importance of the university’s connections and impacts on Boston and surrounding communities.
Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean of Admissions Shoumita Dasgupta, PhD, marched in the procession at Agganis.
“I chose to go because this is a really special moment in BU’s history; we have a leader who embodies all of our values of inclusive excellence and education for all, as well as interdisciplinary science and study,” said Dasgupta. “It’s really exciting to be part of this new beginning.”
In her inaugural address, Gilliam, an interdisciplinary researcher in medicine, public health and the humanities, spoke early and often of the importance of the Medical Campus. Dasgupta said she was encouraged by a listening session with the president and by her decision to have an office on the Medical Campus.
“It’s really clear from attending the listening session that she values what our faculty has to say and that she’s going to take our message to heart and prioritize issues that benefit everybody,” said Dasgupta.
Priya Garg, MD, associate dean of medical education, joined approximately 50 people in attendance at the watch party in Hiebert Lounge.
“I wanted to see this historic event. I’m so proud of the fact that we have our first woman president here at BU,” Garg said. “I think her physically being here on campus will be a wonderful way to hopefully share ideas and to be a part of this community.”
Garg said this was especially important as the medical school embarks on a search for a new dean.
“It’s huge for underrepresented communities (for BU to have its first Black and female president),” said third year medical student Nora Sheehan. “I think it shows BU’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone.”
Zhara Shokoohi is a new arrival in Boston and at BU, where she just began her first year as a PhD student in anatomy & neurobiology after flying in from Iran a month ago.
“By the time I was coming, I just got the news of the new president and I thought it was really great to have someone from the Black community,” she said. “I am a minority in this country and I felt…I was coming to a place where I am seen and heard.”
Karin Schon, PhD, associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology, was especially encouraged that Gilliam spoke to closer ties and cooperation between the two campuses.
“The one thing I would love for her to do is to continue listening, not only within BU, but to those outside the university, making connections with the community,” she said.
Deborah Gatachew grew up in Boston and knows the communities that surround the Medical Campus. An MPH student in her last semester, she appreciated Gilliam’s pledge to have greater impact on those communities.
“I really hope her promises do spark change and improve the health of the people struggling in our communities, especially the ones we see every day,” she said.