Georgetown University hosted a faculty and staff picnic lunch Wednesday, kicking off the week’s inaugural events honoring the University’s new president, John J. DeGioia. Wednesday’s picnic, at which DeGioia addressed the campus community, began a series of inaugural events focusing on Georgetown’s commitment to “service and social justice.”
Wayne Davis, chair of the philosophy department and president of the faculty senate, and Jo-Ann Henry, vice president of human resources, introduced DeGioia to the crowd of several hundred students, faculty and staff.
“As we begin a new era, we can take comfort in the certainty of having DeGioia as our new president,” Henry said.
In their introductions, Davis and Henry both referred to DeGioia’s 26-year involvement with the University.
“Jack has walked with us in many different roles,” Henry said, mentioning a few of DeGioia’s past positions as a Georgetown student, an athlete, dean of students and senior vice president. “Jack, you are truly a son of Georgetown University. We are thankful for the continuity you bring as you lead us into the future.”
DeGioia spoke briefly, expressing his gratitude and sense of pride in the University. He reflected on the opportunities he has enjoyed at Georgetown and the “sense of place we have here.”
“Thank you for sharing this moment and being with me on the first event of the [inaugural] week … Thank you for your commitment to [Georgetown] … [There’s] something unique and special about Georgetown University.”
DeGioia also addressed the state of the community following last month’s terrorist attacks.
“I have never been more proud to be a member of this community since the events of Sept. 11th,” DeGioia said. “Coming together is such a source of strength as we move forward … The last few weeks have tested the character of this community and of each one of us.”
The inaugural events will continue the rest of this week. The Inaugural Steering Committee, which includes faculty members and students, have organized a series of dialogues Thursday and Friday. The dialogue series is entitled, “A Celebration of Georgetown University’s Commitment to Service and Social Justice.”
The series will begin with a lunch discussion Thursday focused on the University’s social justice work. Speakers at the discussion will include DeGioia, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and Kathleen Mass Weigert, director of Georgetown’s Center for Social Justice, Research, Teaching and Service.
Events will continue Saturday afternoon with DeGioia’s formal inauguration in D.A.R. Constitution Hall, followed by a reception in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
A concert featuring jazz musician Dave Brubeck will follow the inaugural reception. About 565 student performers will join Brubeck, performing a new arrangement of the Georgetown alma mater.
