Sandra Schmid, chair of the Department of Cell Biology, spoke with Safer after the ceremony. In her remarks, she said:

"Each day as we pass by this statue we should be inspired to do as Bernie would do. We should ask ourselves did I learn something new today? Did I share a discovery, some wonderment with a colleague or friend or student? Did I take the time today to listen to or to help someone. Did I judge my colleagues, perhaps my competitors, fairly? Did I make a contribution to friendship, to community, to my family? Did I put aside my own agenda to address someone else's needs? Did I smile today-or, better yet, laugh out loud?"