Sep 22, 2003 -- On a brilliant September day, under azure skies, Richard M. Joel made Yeshiva University history when he became its fourth president in 117 years. President Joel joined the ranks of three leading lights of world Jewry, Dr. Bernard Revel, Dr. Samuel Belkin, and Dr. Norman Lamm. Some 1,800–2,000 dignitaries, faculty, students, alumni, and communal leaders watched the torch passed from Dr. Lamm, YU chancellor, to President Joel. Thirty-one university presidents and delegates from around North America in Israel participated in the festivities. The Investiture, webcast live on www.yu.edu, allowed alumni and supporters both here and abroad to observe the celebrations. An academic procession of nearly 300 people marched from the Gloria and Jesse Weissberg Commons to Nathan Lamport Auditorium in the David H. Zysman Hall where dignitaries such as New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Daniel Ayalon, Israel’s US ambassador, addressed a packed assembly and overflow audience in the adjacent beit midrash and Weissberg Commons. Mayor Bloomberg, a 2003 recipient of a YU honorary doctorate, congratulated President Joel “on behalf of 8 million people.” “Today is a great day for Yeshiva University, for New York City, New York State and the world. Yeshiva University is such a vital part of the city’s academic community and has always been at the forefront of making this a better world,” the mayor said. In his remarks, Dr. Lamm recalled his own investiture in August 1976. “Dr. Belkin passed away before I was elected, but I have the zechut (privilege) to address my successor with affection and respect.” Dr. Lamm noted that he had been entrusted with a precious treasure. “I pass it on to Richard Joel at the cusp of a new era for Yeshiva University.” Offering greetings on behalf of the “community of universities” was Stephen J. Trachtenberg, president of The George Washington University. “I have known Richard Joel for many years, admired his work, and thought him the perfect choice for the presidency of Yeshiva University,” said President Trachtenberg. “He has the kind of practical understanding that will foster the University’s fortunes and both Jewish and academic life in New York and beyond for many years. I welcome him to the brotherhood and sisterhood of presidents in the University of the United States and look forward to his contributions that will benefit all of us.” Other speakers included Karen Bacon, the Dr. Monique C. Katz Dean of Stern College for Women, who spoke for administration, staff, faculty, deans, directors, and alumni; a Yeshiva College student; and a graduate of Stern College, now studying at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A musical interlude was performed by flautist Contessa Nyree, CSL ’05 and the Philip and Sarah Belz School of Jewish Music choir. President Joel’s inaugural address laid out his vision. He emphasized the university’s commitment to “quality and excellence in education, sacred and secular, to challenge the Yeshiva, the undergraduate and graduate schools to take ownership of Torah Umadda.” Passionately, he urged his audience to “resolve to fashion a Yeshiva University that ennobles students in purpose, and enables them to dream and to fulfill those dreams for self and humankind.” The benediction was offered by Avery Joel, President’s Joel’s son, a student at YU’s affiliated Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary.