1 on 1 Interview with President Karim Ismaili Reflecting on Inauguration Day

Joe Paige | Sports Editor

On April 11th, Eastern Connecticut State University hosted the Inauguration for its seventh president, Dr. Karim Ismaili. The afternoon was a celebration of the University’s 136-year history, while also marking the formal start of Dr. Ismaili’s presidency. The day started inside the Fine Arts Building, where numerous members of Eastern’s faculty gave speeches in Dr. Ismaili’s honor. Various activities would be set up inside and outside the student center, students were inside taking pictures with Dr. Ismaili, as were the staff, faculty, and the rest of the Eastern community. To cap the historic day off, everybody gathered outside to take a picture on top of the “E” outside the Fine Arts Building. Once the dust settled after the event, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Ismaili and reflect on this momentous day.

What was your reaction to hearing that this day is now going to be celebrated in your name?

I didn’t know that was gonna happen! In fact, I had asked to see the inauguration program before, but it wasn't given to me. I was just like, okay they’re probably putting the final touches on it or whatever. And the reason they didn't give it to me was because in the back was the proclamation from the governor! So that was a complete sort of surprise to me, and it was incredible when Senator Mae Flexer came and read the proclamation. I was blown away, to know that as a newcomer to the state, but also to have that honor bestowed on me, that was unbelievable. And it was so thoughtful of the governor and the state and everyone else to be able to think about Eastern, but also think about the inauguration in that way, it was unbelievable.

Many of the speeches from earlier today were very reflective on Eastern legacy, what are your feelings after hearing some of the speeches from the ceremony?

I think the speeches demonstrated the value of Eastern to not only students, but to the faculty, and the state. There were some personal reflections that were provided by my mentor and my sister. That was really powerful for me to hear from them, I didn't know what they were gonna say specifically. So I hope that when people remember back or watch the inauguration through the video on YouTube, that they feel pride, pride in the university, because there's so much to be proud of. At the same time I'm hopeful, and I think the campus is hopeful, that we're going to navigate through whatever comes our way and we're gonna be in a position to thrive in the future. Eastern is an incredible university and, as I said in my speech, people talk about it as a hidden gem, and I don't like that. I like people to think of it as a gem. We don't want it to be hidden, we want everyone to see it gleaming and sparkling so that people are attracted to it. That's how I felt about the speeches, they just emphasized why Eastern is in an incredible place, and has been since 1889.

I meet Eastern alums everywhere, all across the state. Some of them have graduated like 25 or 30 years ago, their kids may come to Eastern, they may have legacy that goes even beyond that, and they love Eastern. And I think that what is really the connector across time is the fact that faculty, staff, everyone cares about students and making sure that they are able to succeed and realize their dreams. So with Eastern being the pathway for that, it’s incredible.

Have you had any advice from former president Núñez that you can share?

President Núñez has been so generous to me. She said, “Eastern is a special place, you are fortunate to be the president of Eastern”, because she was fortunate to be the president of Eastern. As far as advice, her advice to me is really more guidance to make the most of the opportunity. She hasn't offered specific advice, but she has really just emphasized the opportunity and the fact that the university has so many people that are sort of driven to do the best that they can. So for me as a new president, it's like, how do I work with everyone to harness that energy to move into this next phase of Eastern’s journey. What I will say is, I am honored, I hope that I can follow in the tradition of superb leadership, and to try my best every day to support the mission.

Higher education has played such a massive part in your early life, how has that impacted your feelings stepping into a role such as this?

It plays a huge part. I wouldn't be here if higher education wasn’t open to me as an option, if the people who have supported me and guided me weren't there I don't know what I do. My goal is to provide avenues for students, whoever they are, to come to Eastern and experience the incredible things that we do. It’s important for society. For students and for families, maybe, who never thought about university as an engine for their own mobility in society. Economic mobility, social mobility, all of these kinds of things. So that's what it was for me, that's what drives me, and I want to be able to give back. I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can actually lead an institution to be connected to those ambitions, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for public higher education.

I had a pleasure reflecting on the inauguration with Dr. Karim Ismaili, the future of Eastern certainly has much to look forward to. The day was nothing short of a celebration, honoring the legacy of Eastern while also highlighting its bright future.