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Scholar
and teacher, dean of the faculty, provost, and acting president.
Since
arriving at Smith almost three decades ago, you have
enriched the college with your vision and your values.
As a teacher
of philosophy, your intellectual fervor excited your students,
inspiring them to think critically and creatively.
Your dedication to excellence has resulted in a devoted
cadre of former students, alumnae who extol your merits
as a teacher.
Your passion for the college
and its mission was demonstrated when you were persuaded
to serve the college
as a member
of the administration. As dean for curriculum and development,
then dean of the faculty and, in 1998, the first Smith
College provost, you gave long-term, sustained attention
to Smith's curriculum, strengthening it immeasurably. You
succeeded in persuading the faculty to understand a new
approach to distribution requirements as the base for consideration
for Latin Honors. You played a large role in the introduction
of writing across the curriculum and the requirement that
Smith students complete at least one writing-intensive
course. Your hard work contributed to the establishment
of the Picker Engineering Program, the first engineering
program at a woman's college. A life-long environmentalist,
a "true green," your commitment to the Environmental
Science and Policy Program is personal and heartfelt. Your
support for interdisciplinary programs and your leadership
of the Praxis initiative are among your long-term contributions
to the education of Smith women. You have earned the respect
of every faculty member on campus.
Last year, you somewhat
reluctantly agreed to serve as acting president of Smith.
The trustees assured you that
you would have an uncomplicated, inter-regnum year. Little
did we know. The semester had barely begun, indeed only
three days of classes had been completed, when the incredible
tragedy of September 11 occurred. You provided outstanding
leadership then and throughout a challenging year on
the Smith campus. No individual is more profoundly committed
than you to building a community based on mutual respect.
You care deeply about justice, equality and the value
of
each individual. You have maintained a respectful, supportive
environment at Smith. You have moved the institution
forward, created a place where change and growth will flourish.
As you return to
research and teaching, we wish you great joy in future
endeavors. It is with admiration and gratitude
that the Board of Trustees presents to you the John M.
Greene Award for distinguished service to Smith College.
Rochelle Braff Lazarus '68
Chair, Board of Trustees
May 19, 2002 |
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Sophia
Smith: Smith College's Founder
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John
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Sophia
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