Lesley faculty, staff and others wished President Joe Moore and wife, Beth Chiquoine, a jovial farewell yesterday, filled with fond reminiscence regarding the changes the university has undergone over the last decade, and the couple’s contributions along the way.
President Joe Moore addresses the end-of-year community celebration.
However, Moore joked that one significant challenge still lies ahead: keeping his assistant, Kathy Sammartino, from scheduling him for meetings past his June 30 retirement.
Moore kicked off the hour-and-20-minute-long speakers program outlining other goals for the university, indicating his unflagging commitment to the institution he shepherded since 2007, and his continued interest in Lesley’s future. He later mentioned that he and Chiquoine, who will be reside in their Maine coastal home, are contemplating setting up a local pied-a-terre.
“You may see us over at Starbucks or something,” he said. “I look forward to seeing how and when our paths cross again.”
As the university community remembers Moore in retirement, he will be reminded of his time and work at Lesley, having received the gift of a replica of the stained-glass window in the building that houses the President’s Office at 29 Everett St., originally the home of Lesley University founder Edith Lesley.
Vice President of Administration Marylou Batt and Provost Selase
Williams present President Moore and his wife, Beth Chiquoine,
with a stained-glass window.
As Chiquoine said, with evident emotion, “It’s been a wonderful nine years.”
Vice President of Administration Marylou Batt quipped that “Joe’s timing wasn’t always impeccable,” alluding to his tenure beginning right before the economic collapse of 2008, the worst since the Great Depression. Nevertheless, Moore was undaunted in his vision of, and progress toward, the expansion of campus and the bolstering of Lesley’s profile.
Batt praised Moore and Chiquoine’s hands-on work with students, whether they were opening their home to student government gatherings or pitching in to carry students’ luggage, refrigerators and more up the stairs when a dorm elevator broke on move-in day.
“The real essence of your tenure has been your commitment to the students,” Batt said, noting that President Moore placed no limits on his open door policy for students. “No issue was too small, and I promise you, no issue,” she said to laughs from the audience.
Professor James O’Keefe spoke of Moore’s collaborative approach to the university presidency, as did Associate Director of Student Accounts Dawn Marie Medina.
Ava Greene walks up to receive the Melissa Janot Recognition Award.
“Joe never avoided controversial subjects,” said O’Keefe, “and encouraged differing points of view.”
Medina thanked him for his unwavering commitment to “a quality education for our students.”
For his part, Moore pointed out that any president and university owes its success to the faculty, staff and vendors he works with to serve students.
Melissa Janot Recognition Award
Ava Greene, who manages Charlie’s cafe in the Student Center, received the Melissa Janot Recognition Award, named in honor of the late university registrar. President Moore lauded Greene’s compassion for and commitment to Lesley’s students.