The Georgetown academic community gathered in Gaston Hall on Tuesday night to celebrate the contributions of long-time University faculty and staff in the Annual Faculty Convocation.
Provost Dorothy Brown opened the ceremony with introductions for the invocation by Imam Yahya Hendi and a benediction by Rev. Adam E. Bunnell, OFM, Conv. President John J. DeGioia presented awards to faculty and staff ending with a formal address.
Thirty full-time members of the University faculty and staff were honored with the distinguished Vicennial Medal. This award was established 52 years ago, and is granted in recognition of 20 years of service to Georgetown. The Silver Vicennial Medal was awarded to 29 members of the University part-time faculty and staff for twenty years of service.
In his address to the faculty, President DeGioia spoke of the enormous changes the past year has brought to the Georgetown academic family. DeGioia praised the University faculty and staff for never wavering in academic pursuit in the face of the tragedies of Sept. 11 and the recent death of government professor Joseph Lepgold. He has observed the strength of Georgetown’s scholarship and intellect in “undertaking some of the most important teaching” for its students.
DeGioia said that Georgetown must continue its advancement of knowledge with a special commitment towards faith and justice, in keeping with the Jesuit tradition.
Despite financial difficulties and future challenges, DeGioia lauded faculty contributions toward keepingGeorgetown among top schools nationwide. He challenged the University to unify in order to overcome future obstacles and provide compelling visions for future students.
“We must?with our history, tradition, location, and role in our society?strive to provide a powerful response for young people,” he said.
