David Skorton was inaugurated as the University’s 12th president. In his inaugural address, Skorton used the idea of dance to bridge the gap between the humanities and sciences at Cornell, an issue that drew concern from the University community before he began his term.

“Beyond the science, or perhaps underpinning it in ways not yet clear, are the movements and rhythm of the poem, the calligraphic journey, the dance …” he said. “These rhythms, too, are part of our Cornell.”

The address also emphasized the idea of optimism as a central, guiding principle of the University. He further described the role of the president as that of “the chief, most reliably optimistic functionary,” as well as a “translator and transducer of the faculty’s aspirations and vision, of the staff’s commitment and creativity,” and “of the student’s unceasing and wonderful questioning.”

Skorton used the speech to underscore the important role that the faculty plays in the University.

“Make no mistake, the faculty dance is hugely improvisational, not to be constrained, not to be managed, but to be respected, nurtured, supported and set free,” he said. “For it is the unpredictability of discovery and creativity that defines Cornell and that will continue to do so, generation after generation.”

As for his own vision for the Uni­versity, Skorton asked for help from the community in “conceiving and notating the choreography” of his administration.

He outlined five goals that would be his priorities in office. The goals included “the transformation of the undergraduate experience,” improving the staff’s environment, uniting Cornell’s various campuses, putting an equal emphasis on the humanities and sciences and “positively impact[ing] the world” outside of the University.

Mayor Carolyn Peterson attended the ceremony and expressed the city’s optimism and excitement over Skorton’s appointment.

“I really appreciate having a president of the University who acknowledges the importance of the relationship of the university with the community and vice-versa,” she told The Sun. “I really think it’s a positive time for community-university relations.”