GSDM Faculty and Staff Meeting Features Award Ceremony and BU Updates
On Monday, December 17, 2012, the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine held a faculty and staff meeting that included an award ceremony and many important updates regarding the School and Boston University overall.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter welcomed everyone and began the meeting by observing a moment of silence for the victims of the December 14, 2012, massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
Dean Hutter then recognized a special guest at the meeting, Boston University President Robert A. Brown.
Verna Buckley, Educational Support Assistant, received the second 2012 Boston University Henry M. Goldman Award for Distinguished Service. Ms. Buckley was recognized for her 10 years of exceptional service to students and mentors and was described in her nomination as being “dedicated, positive, welcoming, and hardworking.” Dean Hutter presented her the award and offered his congratulations.
“Verna truly embodies the ideal of excellence that is fundamental to our Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and she is most deserving of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman Award for Distinguished Service,” said Dean Hutter. The ceremony concluded with President Brown joining Dean Hutter and Verna for a photograph with her award.
Dean Hutter welcomed and introduced President Brown.
President Brown provided several Boston University updates. He discussed BU’s financial health, noting its “better than average performance” in a “still dismal economy.” President Brown reviewed current and upcoming expansion and renovation plans. He highlighted the recently completed Center for Student Services on the Charles River Campus and the Boston University School of Medicine Student Residence on the Medical Campus. President Brown mentioned the plans for expansion and renovation for the Boston University School of Law, a plan many years in the making. He described BU’s efforts to position itself as a significant research institution, having spent the last 25 years focusing on this area. These changes include continuous revamping of doctoral programs and careful selection of research projects.
President Brown noted the importance of the Capital Campaign—a first for Boston University—and mentioned BU’s induction into the Association of American Universities, a very prestigious and significant honor.
President Brown discussed the challenges facing BU moving forward, including the lingering impact of the recession, budgeting for an uncertain future, and revisiting and potentially editing the strategic plan.
President Brown addressed the issues pertaining specifically to GSDM and the Medical Campus, including a proposed new facility for GSDM and a site for the new facility which now includes Boston Medical Center’s Newton Pavilion.
President Brown opened the floor for questions from the staff and faculty. Among the topics discussed were tuition revenues, globalization, online education, and financial aid.
Dean Hutter expressed his appreciation by saying, “President Brown, thank you very much, and I know I speak for all of the faculty and staff of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in saying how much we appreciate the leadership you are providing to our university, your support of our School and its programs as we Choose to be Great, and taking the time from your very busy schedule to be with us this afternoon.”
He also thanked the faculty and staff for their contributions and wished everyone a happy holiday season.