Marc Tessier-Lavigne

Text of “The Purposeful University: A Place of Unlimited Potential,” by Marc Tessier-Lavigne, as prepared for delivery at his inauguration as Stanford’s 11th president on Oct. 21, 2016.

Stanford celebrated the beginning of a new era today by inaugurating its 11th president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, a pioneering neuroscientist, technology executive and academic leader.

Stanford leaders and a senior welcomed first-year and transfer students during the 126th Opening Convocation Ceremony, held September 20 in the Main Quad.

Stanford's history of accomplishment inspires a new era of leadership.

As a scientist and as an executive, Marc Tessier-Lavigne has made a career out of making a difference.

The incoming leader’s spring agenda included attending Board of Trustees meetings and making preparations to hire a new provost.

Ruth Porat, a member of the Stanford Board of Trustees and a member of the Stanford Presidential Search Committee, sat down for a conversation with Marc Tessier-Lavigne about his appointment as Stanford University's 11th president.

After unanimous approval by the Stanford Board of Trustees, Marc Tessier-Lavigne was introduced as Stanford's next president.

The Stanford trustees announced that Marc Tessier-Lavigne, president of The Rockefeller University and former Stanford faculty member, will be the 11th president. He will assume the role Sept. 1.