The University of Toledo President Gregory Postel asked the audience to join him in a renewed commitment to the University and what it means to be a Rocket during the investiture ceremony that officially installed him as UToledo’s 18th president.
“The reward for this effort will be a better University and each of you can claim to have been a part of the journey of success,” he said. “I’m proud to lead The University of Toledo on this journey and look to a very bright future.”
The president spoke about the important role of higher education and the need to adapt, evolve and innovate as the University develops its next strategic plan.
The traditional academic ceremony to mark the beginning of Postel’s tenure as president included welcome remarks from Dr. Terry Bigioni, president of Faculty Senate, and Anna Walker, president of Student Government who served as the event’s emcee.
Speakers at the event included Randy Gardner, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor; David Dmytryka, president of the UToledo Alumni Association Board of Trustees; and Mark Luetke, chair emeritus and current member of the UToledo Foundation Board of Trustees. A video greeting was shared from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Postel’s mentor Dr. Edward Halperin, chancellor and chief executive officer of New York Medical College and provost for biomedical affairs of the Touro College and University System, provided the investiture address.
Postel’s remarks focused on reimagining UToledo followed the official installation by UToledo Board of Trustees Chair Alfred Baker.
“Today is not simply a celebration of a presidential investiture,” Postel said. “Rather it is an opportunity to come together to recognize the history of this great institution and to set the course for the future of Toledo’s public research university — our University. It is a celebration of change and an opportunity to reimagine our future course.”
The president spoke about the important role of higher education and the need to adapt, evolve and innovate as the University develops the next strategic plan that will advance the University’s student success, inclusion, research and scholarship priorities.
“I see this as an important exercise in prioritization guided by our agreed upon strategic goals. We must do more than survive, our University must thrive and to do so, we need to reimagine it,” he said. “Change can be uncomfortable. It involves taking risks. We cannot be afraid to fail when there is an opportunity for transformational success. There are too many people depending on us — students, employees and patients. We must think differently.”
Postel gave examples of attracting diverse new talent in key leadership positions, developing and supporting current faculty and staff leadership journeys, expanding existing and implementing new educational offerings, innovating and presenting new knowledge through research investments, expanding the University’s healthcare enterprise and engaging alumni and donors.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 150th year as Rockets, we look to the past with pride and nostalgia but envision a future full of possibility.”
