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Jay Gonzalez was ceremoniously inaugurated as the fifteenth President of Curry College on Friday, April 12, 2024 in a series of events that honored the history and future of the institution. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, college and university delegates, and other special guests gathered inside the Dr. Eleanor Meyerhoff Katz Gymnasium to celebrate Gonzalez, who began his tenure as President of the College on July 31, 2023.
Throughout this special day which focused on the theme of Answering the Call and Making Connections, guests were invited to experience a showcase of our flagship Milton campus, attend a symposium on neurodiversity, and gather during a post-Inauguration reception in Westhaver Park.
Senior communication major Lexi Meader served as emcee and addressed the attendees with a warm welcome. Feeling honored in her role, Meader noted, “I think it says a lot about Curry and President Jay Gonzalez that he requested a student to emcee the event.”
Dr. Kara Provost, Professor of the Writing Program and Faculty Chair, captivated guests with a special reading of her own ghazal for Curry. The poem focused on connections and moving forward together, as, “We are called to Be Curry, connect our college’s past to what can be.”
For Laurie Lessage ‘10, the connections made at Curry ignited her steadfast path to success, now as Chief Financial Officer of Big Brothers, Big Sisters New York City. “Curry College facilitated connections that would shape my future in profound ways. From securing my first internship with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley to meeting lifelong friends and even finding my partner, Curry has been the backdrop for countless pivotal moments in my life.”
With similar sentiment, student speaker Nathan Sinclair ’25 expressed his gratitude for the inclusive Curry community. “Curry has opened many doors for me, with many more still left. Take the time to find yours. Take the time to look around at this community and find the people that will pull you from your chair.”
Gonzalez addressed the community with passion and inclusivity during his Inauguration speech, prepared to write this next chapter together with all those who make Curry a special place. And above all else, he expressed the need and value of ensuring that every Curry student is equipped with the necessary tools to succeed after graduation.
“Our students deserve nothing less from us. For many of our students, going to college is not a given. Many have faced or are facing significant life challenges. They’re here because of their own grit and determination. Their experience here really matters to them and to their life trajectory.”
As part of his dedication to student success, President Gonzalez announced a number of new initiatives, including The Curry Commitment, a job guarantee program for full-time undergraduate students. As the first college in Massachusetts to offer a job guarantee program, The Curry Commitment program will begin with the current freshmen Class of 2027.
Read more about the Curry Commitment Program
In the official presentation of the medallion to commemorate Gonzalez’s installment, Alexander “Graham” Bell Gonzalez, Curry’s community resource golden retriever, was accompanied by Kendra Aucoin ’24.
In his closing remarks, President Gonzalez reiterated his vision of thorough career readiness, support inside and outside of the classroom, and working together to achieve our goals.
“Here’s my vision for Curry. Every Curry student will graduate in four years and get a job or pursue graduate studies. Every student…I’m excited to work with you to realize this vision, and I believe in our ability to do so. I believe in us. I believe in our students.
And I believe in Curry.”
To watch the ceremony in full, please visit Curry.edu/InaugurationLive.