In front of an audience of over 2,500 people, Board of Trustees chair Stephen Mandel '78 presented Hanlon with the original College charter, and former president Jim Yong Kim handed him the 66-ounce silver Wentworth Bowl.
In his inaugural address, Hanlon focused on the importance of an undergraduate education and spoke about expanding Dartmouth's global impact.
While challenging the College to embrace new education technologies, Hanlon introduced two initiatives: a Society of Fellows program, designed to bring postdoctoral students from all disciplines to campus, and an innovation center tasked with providing resources to student entrepreneurs.
He called for the College to reduce incidences of sexual assault and binge drinking, acknowledging issues that have come to the forefront over the last few months.
"I challenge all students to consider whether they are strengthening our community or undermining it," Hanlon said. "Our community is strongest when we are open, safe, inclusive to all."
Toward the end of his speech, Hanlon brought the discussion back to the College's newest class, encouraging freshmen to forge their own path at Dartmouth.
"Find your lever, the special way you are going to make a difference," he said.
University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman introduced Hanlon, discussing the impact that he made at Michigan. She lauded Hanlon for steering the institution through a period of financial instability, calling his fiscal sense the "antidote" to Michigan's financial woes.
Student body president Adrian Ferrari '14 gave a welcome speech to the Class of 2017, invoking some memories of his own freshman year and how he found a place in the Dartmouth community.
"College life will push you in a lot of different directions," Ferrari said. "There is no better anchor than the people you love and trust."
Also present at the event was New Hampshire governor and ex-officio trustee Maggie Hassan, who relayed Dartmouth's importance to the state, calling it a "huge source of pride." She said that Hanlon's background will inspire students to pursue studies in STEM fields.
