SYRACUSE, N.Y. — SUNY Upstate Medical University on Friday inaugurated Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena as its 7th president during a ceremony in the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter.
Laraque-Arena is also the first woman that SUNY has appointed to serve in the position.
“Yes, a glorious day this is for me … I’m deeply honored to be installed as the 7th president of the State University of New York Upstate Medical University,” Laraque-Arena said to open her remarks.
She started her work as the school’s president in January.
The inauguration featured an academic procession and greetings from representatives from the community as well as professional societies.
The event also included a dance performance by the Haudenosaunee singers and dancers of the Onondaga Nation.
SUNY trustee chair Carl McCall, several members of the SUNY board of trustees, presidents from seven colleges and universities also attended.
Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney, and Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, also extended greetings to Upstate’s new leader.
In her remarks, Laraque-Arena said that Upstate Medical plans to host a presidential symposium series entitled “Connected to the Future.”
The series of events over the next 18 to 24 months will demonstrate how Upstate Medical is “forward thinking about the trends and needs of the 21st century university,” Laraque-Arena said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
