GLORIA CORDES LARSON,
7th and first female president of
BENTLEY COLLEGE,
shares her vision of connections at her
Inauguration on March 28
“My hope — our hope — is that this generation will be one that wakes up each morning and not only imagines that things can be better, but also acts on that imagination every single day.”
Waltham, MA — One thousand guests gathered at Bentley College on March 28 to celebrate the inauguration of Gloria Cordes Larson as the seventh and first female president of the college. J. Terence Carleton ‘77, chairman of the Bentley Board of Trustees, formally installed President Larson during the ceremony, which culminated a multi-day series of events that focused on the college’s commitment to leadership and service.
“I believe 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 society more broadly, and to draw on my experiences to represent these worlds here at Bentley,” President Larson said in her inaugural speech. “I want to enhance the connections that already exist with our many constituents and partners, and help build new ones in the singular ways that we are so well-positioned to do.
“This has been an era that has seen numerous, numerous corporate financial and other scandals. At the same time, there has been a growing recognition that the business community must step in and help address common global goals. We want our graduates to be forward thinking and dynamic next generation leaders. These will be 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 will be leaders who will create and help build better organizations and help build better communities wherever in the world they go.”
To conclude her address, Larson said, “ … my hope – our hope – is that this generation will be one that wakes up each morning and not only imagines that things can be better but also acts on that imagination every single day.” We intend to shape that generation now and in the years to come.”
President Larson was welcomed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who represented the public service community, “ … today we celebrate the wisdom of Bentley College. Distinguished lawyer, businesswoman and civic leader, Gloria Larson … moves 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.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, who brought greetings from the academic world, said, “Gloria has the vision as well as the leadership skills to implement her vision … and now she has the opportunity to nurture the brain power that Bentley has been contributing to the world.” She concluded, “Gloria, you are a visionary; Bentley has been a visionary institution; together you can dream it and you can do it.”
“Bentley could not have made a wiser choice for leadership,” said Cleve L. Killingsworth, chairman and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts who represented the business community. “ … Gloria is the link between this college’s rich history and its promising future.” Speaking to Larson, he said, “This new position affords you great possibilities … including the opportunity to encourage business to listen to all voices.”
The ceremony also included greetings from the college’s internal community. Representing the Bentley faculty was Joseph Newpol, chair of the Faculty Senate and professor of taxation. “You came to us from a world far different than academe, but brought with you an enthusiasm and excitement for what you saw in us and a way of looking at what we do in a different light.”
Speaking for the administration and staff, Julianne Britt, director of Purchasing, Administrative and Campus Services, said, “Know that we stand with you, and that we look forward to a future illuminated by your commitment to innovation, creativity, and a better world.”
“You are someone who will challenge us as individuals and as an institution and you will help to shape the next generation of Bentley students,” said Student Government Association President Michael Caliva ’08 who represented the 4,000 undergraduate students. “We admire your leadership, we share your enthusiasm, and we welcome you as part of our community.”
Graduate Student Association President Daniel Berlin represented 1,400 Bentley graduate and PhD students. Referring to President Larson’s vision, he said, “Our graduates will leave with a more well-rounded view of business, recognizing that it's not just about greater profits; it’s also about giving back to the community.”
Alumni Association President Paul Mastrocola ’90 represented the community of 45,000 alumni. “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.”
Following a biographical video tribute, the program continued with a formal presentation of the presidential robe and college seal medallion to President Larson.
“Yours will be the great privilege and responsibility of leading this college and its graduates to be responsible global citizens,” said Chairman Carleton. “We are confident that your enthusiasm for the Bentley mission, your concern for the dignity of all, and your wise and prudent management style will enable the fulfillment of this institution’s great promise for years to come.”
Joining Larson on the stage were three former Bentley presidents: President Emeritus, Dr. Gregory H. Adamian (1970- 1991); Dr. Joseph M. Cronin (1991-1997) and Dr. Joseph G. Morone (1997-2005); the President’s Cabinet, the Board of Trustees, Chairs and members of the Inauguration Committee.
The ceremonial marshal was Bentley accountancy professor Richard Cross ‘62. Music was provided by the Boston Brass Ensemble, and Bentley student James H. Buckley ‘10, who sang the National Anthem. The ceremony included an invocation given by Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell, author, writer and columnist and the former Pastor of St. Augustine's South Boston for 21 years; and a benediction delivered by Rev. Gloria Elaine White-Hammond, MD, MDiv, Co-Pastor of Bethel AME Church and pediatrician at the South End Community Health Center.
About President Larson: Gloria Cordes Larson, JD, a public policy expert, lawyer and business leader, assumed the presidency of Bentley in July 2007. She joined the school from the leading law firm Foley Hoag, where she co-chaired the Government Strategies Group. Widely influential in economic policy, Larson led a business advisory cabinet for Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and co-chaired his transition team. Under her leadership as the Chair of the Massa-chusetts Convention Center Authority, the organization oversaw renovation of the MassMutual Center in Springfield and construction of the $800 million Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Larson has been honored and recognized by many groups for her contributions and commitment to civic duty, especially for raising awareness of the need for education reform and for promoting the role of business in changing that landscape. She is a member of the Massachusetts, Virginia and Boston bar associations.
