The theme of the two-day inaugural celebration was "academic imperative," which highlighted the university's fundamental committment to teaching and research. "This is what we do, this is the center of our existence and this is what describes our mission," said Lombardi in his address.
While Lombardi's address looked towards the future academic goals of the university, he also touched upon the everpresent financial woes that have plagued the university in recent years.
"The engine of university success is simple to describe, if difficult to achieve: more money spent well," said Lombardi. "We must earn the money to gain the chance to spend it well."
As he spoke, 60 to 75 members of campus unions stood outside in the cold and held signs demanding funding for contracts that were vetoed last summer by then-acting Governor Jane Swift, according to an article in The Daily Hampshire Gazette.
While the protesters outside were respectful of the inauguration attendees, growing frustrations over the school's financial problems were indirectly addressed during Lombardi's speech.
"We fund our faculty and staff salaries today, so we can remain competitive in the faculty marketplace tomorrow," said Lombardi.
Although the bad weather kept attendance levels down, the Mullins Center still glowed with over 125 delegates from schools around the country all adorned with their colorful academic regalia, according to The Gazette.
Among those in attendence were UMass President William M. Bulger, Trustee Chairwoman Grace K. Fey and John Ryan, president emeritus of Indiana University and friend of Lombardi, according to Patrick J. Callahan in the UMass Government and Community Affairs Office.
Former ambassador to the U.S. German Carrera Damas was also present. Another long time friend of Lombardi's, Damas called his friend "a dedicated scholar," who is well-known in Venezuela for his research on the abolition of slavery, according to The Gazette.
"We look forward to all that he will bring to the school as a whole," said Callahan.