President Ginsberg’s Inauguration Day fuels excitement for the future
Mark R. Ginsberg was formally installed as the university’s 15th president on Friday, April 5 at TU Arena
By JAMIE ABELL on April 7, 2024
The historic moment for the university came at the end of a week full of special events on campus, including a student-favorite event called Gins-burgers and Fries, at which the president hung out with the students at the Den at Paws.
In addition to the student dinner, President Ginsberg:
- Visited the Towson University in Northeastern Maryland (TUNE) campus for lunch with students, staff and faculty
- Attended a faculty symposium focused on the role of higher education in global well-being
- Rooted for TU athletes at different competitions across campus
- Celebrated the successful research of undergraduate and graduate students at the Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum
- Dove into the world of entrepreneurship at the annual College Cup held at the StarTUp at the Armory
- Enjoyed the immense musical talents of faculty at the Murray Jazz Residency Faculty Concert
- Engaged with faculty and staff alumni
Called to order by Dr. George Hahn, a professor of English and the day’s grand marshal, the installation ceremony began with remarks from special guest and University System Maryland (USM) representative Linda Gooden, chair, Board of Regents and welcome remarks from representatives throughout the university and Baltimore County. Beyond the students, faculty and staff in attendance, guests also included many representatives from regional universities, local officials, community partners and donors. Alumni representing graduating classes from 1960 through 2023 also joined in the ceremony’s official participants.
The remarks attested to Dr. Ginsberg’s passion for listening and his dedication to ensuring every member of the TU community is heard and represented.
Dr. Jennifer Lynch, the senior policy advisor for education and workforce in the Office of the Baltimore County Executive and two-time TU alumna echoed the sentiment saying, “[President Ginsberg] is a visible leader walking the halls on campus, talking to people on campus, asking leaders what he can do to help them be successful. TU has a long legacy of turning dreams into reality and the university is absolutely in the right hands with President Ginsberg.”
George Mason University President Gregory Washington and Anne Holton, a professor of education policy at Mason, joined the TU community during this historic event. They are two of President Ginsberg’s former colleagues from Mason, where he served as provost prior to arriving at TU. Washington noted, “[Dr. Ginsberg’s] listening tour will last the entire duration of his presidency. He’ll never stop listening and learning. He’ll never stop finding ways to support faculty, staff, students, alumni and community. You want a great leader. […] You’ve landed a great one.”
President Ginsberg’s family was also in attendance, excited for what’s to come. His two sons, Andrew and Robert, introduced the president before his inaugural address. “In our dad, you have found a leader who embodies integrity, leadership and confidence,” said Andrew “Drew” Ginsberg.
Before installing President Ginsberg, USM Chancellor Jay Perman charged him to, “protect the premise and the promise of higher education, with access that includes us, knowledge that connects us, ideas that enrich us and work that that services us.”
In his inaugural address, President Ginsberg shared his vision for TU’s next era. He stressed his dedication to continued listening so that he can understand and be the best leader for the university as possible. During his presidency, President Ginsberg would like to “make a great university even greater by keeping TU’s DNA as TU’s DNA."
“There is so much pride and passion and energy for and commitment to our university and its people, especially our students,” said Ginsberg in his inaugural address, “Above all, the education of our students, and a commitment to teaching and learning, is our main focus.”
When looking toward the future and growing the university, Dr. Ginsberg has many plans, including promoting collaboration university-wide, expanding the “front porches” of the university, including athletics and the arts, refining current academic programs and preparing new ones and supporting and maintaining TU’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on campus.
“As Tigers, it is our character to earn our stripes each and every day – I pledge to you that I will work to do just that. Tigers are strong. Tigers are smart. Tigers are savvy. Tigers are strategic. They know where to go and they know how to act so that they reach their destination. These are the attributes that characterize our university. And I pledge to you they will characterize my leadership.” said Ginsberg.
It’s only fitting that President Ginsberg ended his address with a reference to “Eye of the Tiger,” complemented by the pep band’s rendition of the fan-favorite song.
After the ceremony, guests celebrated the newly installed president at a reception held on the arena concourse, inspired by the day and excited for the future.
“ It’s the greatest honor of my life to serve as the 15th president of Towson University. I say to all, let’s roar together! ”
