President Stephen C. Ainlay welcomed students, faculty, staff and parents to campus during Union's opening convocation on Monday.
In his address in Memorial Chapel to celebrate the College’s 214th year, Ainlay touched on some of Union’s recent accomplishments, and reminded the campus community of the work that lies ahead.
“We all must continue to imagine, continue to reach, continue to pursue the things that will make Union a stronger institution and ensure that it takes a leadership role in areas that we believe make us who and what we are,” Ainlay said.
“We have the opportunity, just as much as our predecessors, to craft a remarkable environment in which all our members thrive, to truly make a difference in the lives of the students who come here to work, live and study, and to become a beacon for those seeking an education well-honed to the needs and demands of the 21st century.”
The convocation opened with welcoming remarks from Frank L. Messa ’73, chair of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Linda N. Stanhope, chair of the Faculty Executive Committee; and Jillian P. Bannister ’09, president of the Student Forum.
Therese A. McCarty, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, announced the Stillman Prize for Excellence in Teaching, which was awarded to Harold Fried. Fried, the David L. '39 and Beverly B. Yunich Professor of Business Ethics, has been a member of the faculty since 1983. He is on sabbatical and will receive his award at a faculty dinner in June.
The prize was created by David I. Stillman ’72, Abbott Stillman ’69 and Allan Stillman in honor of Abraham Stillman, father and grandfather. It is presented annually to a faculty member to encourage outstanding teaching.
McCarty also recognized the 689 students who made the Dean’s List last year. Their names are on a plaque that will be displayed in Reamer Campus Center.
Monday’s ceremony also featured the debut of The Eliphalets, an a capella ensemble featuring Bonnie Campbell ’11, Alex Handin ’10, Shabana Hoosein ’11, Kara McCabe ’09, Patrick O’Hern ’11, Ashley Polihronakis ’11, Kevin Stefani ’10 and Gregory Wyman ’11. The group is named for Elphalet Nott, Union’s president from 1804 to 1866.
Following the convocation, a reception was held in Hale House and Old Chapel.