Rector Molari Attends the Inauguration Ceremony of the New President of Chapman University

Rector Giovanni Molari took part in the inauguration ceremony of Matthew J. Parlow, the new President of Chapman University, representing the University of Bologna and universities from around the world.

The ceremony took place on 10 October at the Musco Center for the Arts of Chapman University, in the city of Orange, California, marking the conclusion of a week of festivities attended by many national and international guests.

“Like Chapman University, we are driven by the belief that higher education must serve the common good,” said Rector Molari during the ceremony. “All over the world — whether in Bologna or in Orange, California — universities are communities of students, faculty and staff united by shared values. We are custodians of knowledge, defenders of free research, and promoters of human progress.”

Rector Giovanni Molari with Daniele C. Struppa, former President of Chapman University

Matthew J. Parlow is the 14th President of Chapman University, succeeding the Italian mathematician and scholar Daniele C. Struppa, who led the Californian university from 2015 to 2025.

In his address during the inauguration ceremony, Rector Molari recalled the ancient origins and forward-looking spirit of the University of Bologna, acknowledging the shared values that universities around the world are called to uphold.

We believe that education carries a responsibility towards society,” said the Rector of the University of Bologna. “Connecting people and skills, defending values through dialogue, embracing different perspectives, and innovating for the benefit of people and our planet. These are not only our values, but values shared by universities around the world — including Chapman University.”