July 5,
2005
Seligman tenure begins
resident Joel Seligman launched his new administration July 1 by outlining some of his first priorities to the campus community and, at the same time, emphasizing his interest in cementing relationships with the surrounding community.
During a press conference to mark his first formal day on the job, Seligman said that he's on a "listening tour" of the schools and departments on campus and with civic, cultural, and business leaders in Greater Rochester.
"I find I always learn more by listening. I've got a lot to learn internally in this University and a lot to learn in the community. But I'm looking forward as rapidly as feasible to spending a lot of time visiting with people throughout the community as well as within this University in the months and years to come," added Seligman.
In an e-mail message to faculty and staff, Seligman said that over the next few years the University plans to lay the groundwork for a major capital campaign. He introduced James Thompson as Rochester's newly appointed senior vice president and chief advancement officer (see related story), who will lead the University-wide effort.
"This University is deservedly proud of its academic achievements and outstanding programs," Seligman wrote in the e-mail message. "But it needs more resources. My first priority is to build the infrastructure that will make possible the largest feasible capital campaign and annual giving program in the years to come."
The press conference was one of several events in a packed first day for Seligman, the former dean of the law school at Washington University in St. Louis who last December was named Rochester's 10th president. On his first official day last Friday, Seligman visited with students in the College's Urban Fellows program and accompanied one Urban Fellow to his community site, the Jefferson Family Medical Center in the 19th Ward.
As he outlined his goals, Seligman paid tribute to the leadership of Thomas H. Jackson, president emeritus. "We build on considerable strength," he said. "The legacy of Tom Jackson is that of a president who left the University considerably stronger than when he began."
The University will celebrate Seligman's inauguration on Sunday, October 23, at 3 p.m. in Eastman Theatre. A reception will follow at the Memorial Art Gallery. For more details on events surrounding inauguration and a closer look at Seligman's first day in office, visit his Web site at www.rochester.edu/president.
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