"From modest beginnings, Tufts College grew to become the diverse and unique institution that it is today. With the expansion of its Medford/Somerville campus on the hill, the addition of its College of Engineering (formally) in 1898… the School of Medicine in 1893, the School of Dental Medicine in 1899, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1933 and the School of Nutrition Science and Policy in 1980… the Sackler School of Biomedical Research in 1980 and the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1978. All of these fine schools trace their roots to the founding unit that we celebrate today, Tufts College, and to the vision, dedication, talent, and inspiration of the generations of Tufts students, faculty and staff who came before us. Without them - without their contributions - we would not be here together, recognizing the coming of Tufts 150th anniversary and sharing the pride in Tufts that all of us feel today."

"As I come to know more about Tufts, I am struck by the fondness and respect that Tufts people have for tradition. Surely tradition is an important aspect of our past here at Tufts, and it is indeed grounds for celebration, because tradition is the thread that binds us to all those who came earlier, and will serve as our generation's link to the Tufts community of the future. Jumbo, Bowen Gate, the cannon, the Memorial Steps… each in its own way and in its own time has added luster to the Tufts experience, as have other traditions. Tufts is a place that embraces its history and lore."

"Tufts University now is an internationally recognized institution of higher education… a university with an unprecedented diversity of programs… exceptional faculty and staff… bright and talented students. In Tufts' first 150 years, our community definitely has been a part of the future, having contributed to such things as the discovery of the telephone… the revolutionary use of hydroelectric power… and the 'invention' of cybernetics… These are just a few examples of innovation, led by Tufts people, that altered the world in which we live today. "

"Our generation has an obligation to continue the quest for advancement, to strive for groundbreaking achievement and to help improve the quality of living and learning in our time and in the lifetimes of those who will succeed us. Tufts is capable of such greatness - this has been proven in the past, and certainly the potential for outstanding achievement among our students, faculty and staff is high, as well, for the present and future. But we must be diligent in these efforts. We must be creative, resourceful, and willing to take the occasional risk. "