Inauguration of John Shattuck as the fourth President and Rector of Central European University

The Inauguration of John Shattuck as the fourth President and Rector of Central European University, took place on November 2, 2009. The Master of Ceremonies, Provost/Academic Pro-Rector and CEU University Professor, Howard Robinson, delivered Opening Remarks. In his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CEU, Leon Botstein, presented the Insignia of Office of President and Rector to Professor John Shattuck. Following the Inaugural Address by President and Rector Shattuck -- George Soros, Founder and Honorary Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CEU, also spoke. Guest of honor, Justice Richard J. Goldstone, former Chief Prosecutor for War Crimes Tribunals on Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, Head of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, delivered the Ceremonial Address. Justice Goldstone, 1959 BA 1962 LLB (Wits) practiced as an Advocate at the Johannesburg Bar. In 1980 he was made Judge of the Transvaal Supreme Court. In 1989 he was appointed Jud ge of the Supreme Court of Appeal. From July 1994 to October 2003 he was a Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He is presently Bacon-Kilkenny Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at Fordham Law School. Reflecting President Shattucks great appreciation for Budapest and its rich musical heritage, the Orchestra of the Budapest Philharmonic Society performed two musical pieces, conducted by Dr. Botstein (who is also the music director and conductor of the American Symphony Orchestra [1992 ] and Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra among his numerous musical credentials). The first piece was Johannes Brahmss thank you for an honorary doctorate, The Academic Festival Overture, which evokes the meaning of university. The second piece was Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 (New World Symphony), auspicious on this occasion both for its multinational character and the new world it celebrates. In announcing the appointment, Botstein had noted I am delighted that the university gained such a remarkable leader. John has worked tirelessly to promote open society across the globe, and his leadership will reinforce the universitys commitment to international justice and the rule of law. Shattuck added, CEU has the capacity to be a new model for international education, a major convener on the international challenges of our time, and a source of support around the world for building open and democratic societies that respect human rights.

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