Posted on Feb 21, 2008

Keynote speaker and former Union professor Paul LeClerc speaks during the Founders Day Convocation at Memorial Chapel. Founders Day 2008.

Paul LeClerc, president and chief executive officer of the New York Public Library and a former professor at Union, traced the course of his career during his keynote address at Founders Day Thursday in Memorial Chapel.

LeClerc received the inaugural John Bigelow Medal, established by President Stephen C. Ainlay to recognize friends of the College who have contributed to the advancement of humanity.

Bigelow, of Union’s Class of 1835, was an author, publisher, lawyer and statesman who was instrumental in the formation of the New York Public Library. Schaffer Library is exhibiting selections from Bigelow's personal library, which was donated to the College and is housed in Special Collections. LeClerc said he used Bigelow's books while completing his doctoral thesis.

The College's seal bears the image of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and a Latin phrase meaning, “We all become brothers under the laws of Minerva.” The New York Public Library also holds Minerva as an important symbol, as does Hunter College, where LeClerc served as president from 1988 to 1993.  

“My career here at Union began with Minerva. It began with Bigelow’s books. And Minerva stays with Union. Minerva, for [Bigelow], was a symbol of the library. Minerva’s core principles guide this college and guide so many of us,” LeClerc said.

The Schenectady Pipe Band leads the procession at the start of Founders Day Convocation. Founders Day 2008.

LeClerc has been with the New York Public Library since 1993. He was a professor of French at Union from 1966 through 1979, and chair of Modern Languages from 1971 through 1977.

Also at Founders Day, the Gideon Hawley Teacher Recognition Award was given to Mark C. Litton, an English teacher at Miramonte High School in Orinda, Calif. He was nominated by Thanh-Mai Bui-Duy ’11. The award is named for the 1809 graduate of Union who was New York State’s first superintendent of public education. It is awarded to secondary school teachers who have had a continuing influence on the academic life of Union students.

Founders Day commemorates the 213th anniversary of the granting of the College’s charter from the New York State Board of Regents.