University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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m Presidential Inauguration; December A, 1 981 This is one of the greatest moments in the history of our University, said Chairman of the Board of Trustees James McLamore at the inauguration of Edward Thaddeus CTad) Foote, li as the fourth President of the University of Miami. On this day, Friday, December 4, 1 9B1 , representatives came to U.M. from around the world and almost every state to honor Foote and the University of Miami in a fantastic display of pageantry and honor. We pause today to recognize an outstanding University, not an individual, said the newly inaugurated President. Foote described his Inauguration as a big day in my life. He stated, I owe a great amount to the three presidents who preceeded me. I don ' t know the first two, but I do know, and respect and admire President Stanford. He will be an inspiration to me always. Foote said that he plans to continue to work towards Stanford ' s rendezvous with greatness. He asserted that there is no room for mediocrity and that the role of the faculty must remain central. In addition, Foote said that Task Forces headed by the members of the Board of Trustees would extensively evaluate different departments of the University and make recommendations for improvements. Plans for comprehensive beautification, consistent with available sources, will begin, the President said. He commented that this University should be a place of unrivaled beauty. Other exciting plans for the University were also revealed in Foote ' s Inaugural speech. He said that he plans to place a lot of emphasis on improving the Business School, especially in international business. Emphasis will also be placed upon the Rosentiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, the Medical and the Law Schools, the School of Music, the Nursing School, where a transcultural program will be established, and in the areas of languages and humanities. The University of Miami will be a magnet for scholars and students around the world, Foote said. Foote also announced that an anonymous one million dollar donation had been given to the Medical School, But that ' s not all: I announce today the acquistion by the University from the Federal Government, 1 OB acres fo valuable property in South Dade County adjacent to the Metrozoo. That land, previously loaned to the University has been approved for transfer. After months of 1 A Inauguration

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UM President Edward Thaddeus Tad Foote II came to the University as the newest student on this campus. Much homework was done in order for him to fully understand how U.M. operates, and to discover its strengths as well as its weaknesses. While studying, Foote kept in mind his immodest goals for this University — this place ought to be one of the greatest Universities in the world. Foote ' s high aspirations for the University are not unrealistic and he says: It can happen if people believe it can happen. In striving for these goals, Foote plans to develop programs that will attract top students and faculty. To bring in a top flight scholar or student here is an extremely satisfying thing. The most enjoyable and interesting part of my job is students. Students are why we ' re here. They ought to work hard and have fun, he says. Foote said that the high points of his career are those when he has been involved with students. Before coming to U. M. , Foote was involved with students as the dean of the Washington University Law School. Prior to 1 9 73, when he became dean, he was the Vice Chancellor, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Foote graduated from Yale University and received his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. Before entering Law School, he was a reporter for the Washington Daily Nawa and Washington Star newspapers. I love journalism, Foote said. I think it has a great role to play. Foote says that he brings to U. M. a lot of hope and confidence. I hope I bring some new ideas and a fresh outlook, he said. Some of Foote ' s new ideas have been to reorganize the structure of the administration. Foote said that before one can make any major changes in the University, the administration must operate with maximum efficiency. Thus, he worked to establish the leanest, most efficient administrative structure possible to support the academic mission. He emphasized that it is important to evaluate and reevaluate how the University works. When Foote was inaugurated on December A, 1 981 , he outlined his future plans and ultimate goals for U.M. When the Board of Trustees elected President Foote, he became the newest student on this campus. He evaluated the University and set up his plans for U.M. ' s future. One might say that upon his inauguration, he was no longer a student, but a graduate ready to take on and lead the University of Miami. By Amy Jacoves Fooce 1 3

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.That U.M. Public Raiaciona study, a distinguished consultant to the State System has confirmed recommendations by other experts that a new School of Public Health should be established at the University of Miami with strong connections to public health programs in the State System. This will be, Foote revealed, the twenty third such accredited school in the U. S. , and will be modeled after a similar program at Cornell University. Lastly, but certainly not least, Foote announced plans to build a North South Center at the Biltmore hotel. This institution will be devoted to exchanging ideas in South America, he proclaimed. Following Foote ' s presentation, one thing was sure: the University is indeed a growing and changing University. In the words of Undergraduate Student Body Government President Bill Mullowney: If you ' re impressed with the strides in the past 55 years, just wait to see what strides we ' ll make in the next 55 years. By Amy Jacoves U.M. Publ.c Inauguration 1 5