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They are recognized for their service to the College
Glenn Airgood, who is retiring after 15 years as director of the Office of Public Information, and Gary A. Evans ’57, who is retiring as executive assistant to the president after more than 35 years with the College, were recognized tonight at Lafayette’s annual pre-Commencement reception, dinner, and awards ceremony. President Daniel H. Weiss read the citations.
GLENN AIRGOOD

Glenn trained his colleagues so well over the past 15 years that they knew exactly what to do when they were invited to contribute to his retirement citation: They formed a focus group to identify the qualities that defined the Airgood brand.

They found Glenn’s unique “creative mark” in every corner of the College, from the eye-catching photo murals in Hugel and Acopian to the distinctive signage and exhibitry in Pfenning and the Kirby Sports Center. The attractive banners and informative campus wayfinding maps; the impressive Markle Hall entryway and admissions theater; the strikingly redesigned publications, videos, and website; Lafayette’s enhanced marketing, communications, and PR efforts – all are evidence of his imagination and talent.

What unified Glenn’s work was his vision that Lafayette College must lead and never follow. This vision took tangible form in such phrases as “learning that leads” and the “Lafayette Leadership Campaign.” It was evident, as well, in his belief in the transformative power of words and images when used in service to a greater Lafayette. Working closely with others in the administration, he devoted himself to the achievement of this goal with boldness, dedication, and skill. These efforts accomplished more than just the advancement of the College and its outreach and recruitment programs; they also helped to transform Lafayette’s sense of itself and its reputation in the marketplace.

As tirelessly as Glenn has worked on Lafayette’s behalf, he has been even more unwavering in supporting his team. A self-effacing leader who has consistently inspired others to greater effort and achievement than they thought possible, he has cared deeply about his staff. He has nurtured their professional growth and has worked to give them the resources they need to succeed. They – and Lafayette College – acknowledge his efforts with gratitude.

GARY A. EVANS

Except for the decade or so in mid-career when he headed first north to RPI and then south to Chapel Hill, Gary has worked at his alma mater since three years after he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1957. Students he’d recruited as a member of the Admissions Office staff in the 1960s heard from him again after they graduated, when he became director of development and alumni affairs. He continued to encourage their involvement as volunteers and donors when he was appointed vice president for college relations and development, the title he held from 1970-80 and again from 1991-2003. He concluded his career as a valued counselor to two Lafayette presidents.

Gary didn’t even need to retire in order to find out how much he and BJ meant to the College. Supporters of the Lafayette Leadership Campaign contributed the Evans Board Room in the Pfenning Alumni Center in their honor. Two years ago an anonymous donor established the Gary A. Evans Prize to recognize sustained exemplary service by an administrator or staff member. Gary’s own record of service to the Lafayette community included membership on the Board of Trustees from 1988-91 and election to emeritus status this past winter.

His energy and talents have benefited the broader community, as well. A forceful advocate for higher education as a leader in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and a tireless supporter of the United Way, the Children’s Home of Easton, and many other local organizations, he has advanced his profession and enhanced the welfare of his neighbors.

Jim Dicker, Gary’s successor as vice president, has commented that no matter how early he would get to Markle, Gary was always there ahead of him – the first person to arrive every morning. Gary, your former colleagues may be setting their alarm clocks an hour later, these days. But they’re working harder, faster, and smarter – and Lafayette is much stronger and more successful – because of your inspiring leadership and example.

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