A new president was sworn-in at the University of Maryland today. Dr. Wallace Loh has been with the school since November of last year, but was officially welcomed today.
He went to Maryland from the University of Iowa where he served as executive vice president and provost.
His swearing-in ceremony was held at the University’s Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. It was followed by a reception with family, friends, students and local officials.
Loh was born in China and raised in Peru. He came to the United States at age 15 with $300 in his pocket. He told the audience today that his story presents a broader story of the United States’ promise.
"It's a story for every young person who can grow up thinking, 'If he can make it, so can I.' It's the story of our nation's evolution toward a more inclusive society,” Loh said.
Loh becomes Maryland's 33rd president. In his speech today, he promised to keep the university on the track to greatness.
“We will be relentless in our drive to greater prominence and impact in all that we do: In academics, in the arts, and in athletics,” he said.
