Hundreds gathered in the Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center on May 1st to witness the inauguration of F. Javier Cevallos as the 16th president of Framingham State University.

“It is with the utmost sense of responsibility that I accept the honor you have given me,” President Cevallos said during his inaugural address. “Framingham State University is a great institution, with a proud past and an exciting future and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of it.”

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker gave the official oath of office during the ceremony, which took place in the Dwight Hall Performing Arts Center.

President Cevallos said one of the greatest challenges facing higher education is the need to reflect the changing face of the country by helping more students from underrepresented groups obtain a college degree.

“If we fail to educate a large percentage of our populations, regardless of race or ethnicity, we will fail as a society,” he said. “We have a responsibility to reach out and make higher education part of the future of all children.”

UMass Boston Chancellor Keith Motley served as the special guest speaker and told students in attendance that they had a strong advocate in President Cevallos.

“He is pushing far more for you than he dreamed of for himself,” Motley said. “You have someone who is deeply invested in you.”

Former UMass Amherst Chancellor David Scott, a longtime friend and mentor to President Cevallos, also spoke at the ceremony and lauded the president’s ability to work collaboratively in a large community.

“Javier is a leader who galvanizes others to come together toward a shared goal,” Scott said. “That has been his track record. I congratulate all those work worked hard to keep the future of this University bright by selecting Javier Cevallos as president.”

President Cevallos told the audience that he embraces the great challenges that lie ahead for Framingham State and for all of higher education. He said he draws optimism from the work ethic, dedication and commitment he has seen from students, faculty and staff during his first year at FSU.

“We have an exciting future in front of us,” Cevallos said. “To get there, we need the concerted efforts of everyone on this campus.”