Drake inauguration celebrates 21st century university, society

Formal ceremony features keynote address by surgeon general

The inauguration of Chancellor Michael V. Drake was celebrated in a formal investiture ceremony April 7 at the Bren Events Center. UC Board of Regents Chair Gerald L. Parsky presided, and President Robert C. Dynes performed the investiture, before an audience of regents, governmental officials, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members. U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona gave the keynote speech.

Chancellor’s inaugural address

Photos of the Inauguration Convocation

Photos of the inauguration dinner

A symposium to honor Drake, titled “The University and Society in the 21st Century,” opened the celebration April 6 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Speakers included:

• Francisco J. Ayala, University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences: “The University in the Western Tradition.”
• Nohema Fernández, dean of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts and professor of music: “Creativity and the University: Cornerstones of Community Strength.”
• Dr. Daniel Lowenstein, UC San Francisco vice chair and professor of neurology and director of physician-scientist training programs: “I Can Get It ….”
• James L. McGaugh, research professor and founding director of the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory: “Research Universities: Engines of Ideas and Innovation.”
• Henry Samueli, chairman and chief technical officer of Broadcom Corp.: “The Importance of Research Universities in Sustaining the High-Tech Economy.”
• Ngugi wa Thiong’o, director of the International Center for Writing and Translation and Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature: “The Modern Patron: The Role of the University in the Global Community.”

UCI press release