 Mayor Thomas Menino didn't have to look far from City Hall to find his next Boston project. After five terms in office, Menino is turning over a new leaf as the co-director of BU's Institute on Cities. The program, which will in part be a think tank for city officials, will serve as a global platform for mayors and municipal managers to tackle urban issues. You have to reach out. That's what we'll help them do. Cities are full of energy and promise these days. They also are full of challenges of environmental threats, of educational roadblocks, of growing inequalities. I hope very much to help mention some new mayors and citizens around the globe as they tackle these issues. Students may not be able to find Menino in their class planners as the mayor does not plan to teach at the university. But as he looks to start his new position on February 1st, Menino emphasizes the importance of involving the student body at BU. The students here are the future generations of elite America. I want them to be involved. That's so important. When I'm in my new office, I'm going to invite you all in. You don't know my style. You're all welcome to come down. As Menino looks ahead to his future with BU, he is also focused on helping students build their futures as government leaders. What I want to do is get young people and through as well government. Get them back into the business. It hasn't been in the business for a long while. It's a great place to be. It's a great place to learn. It's a great place to make a difference in people's lives.