The 29th president of the university, Laura Carlson, was officially inaugurated on Friday, April 17, surrounded by university faculty, staff, alumni and students on the Green.

Classes were canceled, leaving time for staff to transform the university grounds. The Green was lined with tables and chairs for attendees, tents set up for a variety of food, drinks and snacks — not to mention dozens of Secret Service agents walking by. 

The agents came as the former President of the United States and an alumnus of the university, Joseph Biden, gave a speech honoring the new president. 

As attendees settled in their seats, the day started with a lively procession of the university’s color guard, marching band, faculty dressed in their academic regalia and Carlson herself, creating a sea of blue and gold.

As they approached the stage, set on the steps of Memorial Hall, students cheered as Biden waved to the crowd.

“Good to be home,” Biden said, as he began his remarks. 

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In addition to welcoming Carlson to her presidency, he announced the construction of a new building on the Green, Biden Hall. Although he did not confirm specific dates or locations for the project, Biden spoke of his love for the campus in his announcement. 

“There’s no place I’d rather have it than here,” Biden said.

Biden did not comment on the plans for his presidential library in Delaware, the official location for which has not yet been announced.

Following his remarks, the audience heard from some of Delaware’s top elected officials, U.S. Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, along with Gov. Matt Meyer. All expressed their excitement to work with Carlson as she continues to grow throughout her presidency.

“She hit it right out of the park from the very beginning,” Blunt Rochester said, in an interview with The Review.

Referencing the analogy by journalist Sydney J. Harris that education is meant to turn mirrors into windows, Blunt Rochester underscored the importance of an institution like the university in her speech.

“The whole point of a place like the University of Delaware is to help students see beyond themselves,” Blunt Rochester said. “Dr. Carlson will not only transform these mirrors into windows, but I believe, with her leadership, windows and doors will be open.”

Not only was her leadership recognized, but several of the day’s speakers acknowledged Carlson’s relationship with the student body.

“To me, in some ways, a highlight of the event was our procession,” Coons said in an interview with The Review. “Where the enthusiasm and energy of students at the university for Dr. Carlson and her spirit and energy was really evident.”

Carlson, who had previously served as the university’s provost since 2022, represents the university’s focus on consistency and stability in its administration. After being presented with the university medallion by the Board of Trustees Chair, Terri Kelly, Carlson gave her inaugural address, where her commitment to the university community was paramount. 

“This inauguration is not about me,” Carlson said. “It is about us. It is about a community moving forward together, offering a hope in a time of tension, an example in a time of discord and charting a path forward in a time of uncertainty.”

This community-centered approach was reflected in a poem delivered by three community members — senior elementary education student Danielle Blachar, staff member Darrell Edmonds and faculty member Wendy Bellion. 

“It was cool to have the perspective of being able to look out onto the crowd and see so much representation from students and community members,” Blachar said. “I felt very honored to get to represent a voice of students.”

Interrupting Carlson’s speech, a university student stood up in protest, questioning how the president would address student concerns about campus equity.

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“How are you gonna protect us?” he asked, referring to student minority groups on campus.

Carlson offered the opportunity to discuss the issue with her at another time. He continued to ask whether minority groups mattered.

“You do matter,” Carlson said in response from the dais. She again encouraged the student to approach her later, before continuing her address.

“Community here is not accidental,” Carlson said. “It is intentional. We build, measure and strengthen cultures of connection, so that every Blue Hen hears their voice reflected in OurUD.”