Lawrence S. Bacow
President, 2001 - 2011
“One of Bacow’s enduring legacies will be his availability and visibility on campus”
– Compiled by Saumya Vaishampayan and Katherine Sawyer with contributing reporting by Ellen Kan for the Tufts Daily
Lawrence Bacow’s inauguration coincided with the 150th anniversary of Tuft’s dedication. The ceremony kicked off a weekend of events celebrating both President Bacow and Tufts history. President Bacow was invested in connecting personally with Tufts students. He invited students to join him on his morning runs, took on freshman advisees, and began the tradition of hosting dinners for seniors at Gifford House. Bacow’s goals outlined at his inauguration were to increase the endowment, connect the schools, and improve both undergrad and graduate education.
Bacow’s first year in office was darkened by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His response was swift and comforting as he encouraged the University to return to normal as much as was possible while also making counseling services available. Bacow also invested in retaining and supporting faculty while in office. His presidency saw the expansion of University buildings including a new green residence hall, the Sophia Gordon Hall, the expansion of Cousens Gym, and the Granoff Music Center. Overall, his presidency brought Tufts to a place of “universal excellence” according to Sol Gittleman.
Lawrence Bacow left Tufts in 2011, later becoming president of Harvard University.