UMass Boston

Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco is set to be officially installed as the 9th chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston in a distinguished Inauguration Ceremony scheduled for Friday, April 5.  

This ceremonial event is a pivotal component of a broader full day Inauguration Celebration, featuring a series of diverse events, including a ribbon cutting on the new campus Quad, musical performances, and an academic symposium. All campus community members and invited guests are encouraged to attend as the university honors the accomplishments of its community and looks to its future.

Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco assumed the role of UMass Boston's chancellor on August 1, 2020. Previously, he served as the inaugural UCLA Wasserman dean at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education & Information Studies.

“Literally, we will celebrate the transformation of the Quad, and symbolically, the transformational change under the leadership of the provost, of the vice chancellors, of the deans, of the chairs, and of the faculty of our campus,” Chancellor Suárez-Orozco said. “It is a new beginning for UMass Boston and our campus community.”

The inauguration comes as the university formally unveils its new campus Quad, the centerpiece of campus, with a celebratory ribbon cutting. The new sustainable green quad is the culmination of 15 years of planning, and features sloping green lawns, dozens of trees, and a network of ADA-compliant pathways. Also present are a new basketball court, a staircase and elevator to Healey Library, a new student lounge space in the Clark Athletic Center, and a brightly lit new parking lot.

“I did not want to have my installation prior to the opening of our campus Quad. In a way, this is a moment of twin celebrations,” he said. “We’re celebrating the new campus and the extraordinary work that really announces the new chapter in the journey of UMass Boston- UMass Boston 2.0. I hope all of you will join us for this very significant moment.”

For more information on the in inauguration, visit https://www.umb.edu/uec/special-events/inauguration/

Inaugural Events include:

Wednesday, April 3

Chancellor’s Lecture Series: “Impacts of Climate Change on Global Public Health”

Join us for an in-depth discussion with physician and climate advocate Dr. Vanessa Kerry, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Seed Global Health and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health for the World Health Organization.
Campus Center Ballroom
12-1 p.m.

Friday, April 5

New Campus Quad Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The official ribbon-cutting and opening of the new campus Quad.
UMass Boston Quad
9:45 a.m. 

Inauguration Ceremony

The formal ceremony to install Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
as the Ninth Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston
Clark Athletic Center
11:00 a.m. 

Lunch Reception

Lunch reception for the UMass Boston community and guests visiting campus for the Inauguration celebrations.
UMass Boston Campus
Immediately Following the Inauguration Ceremony

Academic Symposium

Concurrent academic sessions featuring keynote speakers and panel discussions.
Campus Center Ballroom
2:30-4:00 p.m.

Session Topics

• Climate Change: From Climate Crises to Climate Resilience 
• Education for the Future: University Assisted Community Schools 
• Health & Wellness: Confronting Inequity in Healthcare