Lesley University President Joseph Moore is being recognized with an honorary degree from the Episcopal Divinity School, which touted his guidance and leadership in the partnership between the two institutions.
Moore, who is retiring as Lesley president on June 30 after nine years as president and three decades of service in higher education, is among the honorees at the divinity school’s commencement ceremony on May 19 at the First Church of Cambridge, Congregational. He was chosen to receive an honorary doctor of divinity degree in the 2 p.m. ceremony, as were the Rev. Canon Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, of Goucher College, Baltimore, and the Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches.
“President Moore has been a key figure for Episcopal Divinity School. His guidance of the negotiations that resulted in the EDS-Lesley partnership has fostered the symbiotic spirit of the partnership we share today,” said the Rev. Francis Fornaro, interim president of the Brattle Street seminary and graduate theological school.
“Throughout his tenure as president, Joe has not only been committed to the partnership between EDS and Lesley University, but has consistently treated EDS as an equal stakeholder in the partnership process,” Fornaro added. “He has been instrumental in building trust between the two institutions and ensuring a fruitful partnership to both schools.
In 2008, Lesley entered a partnership with EDS towards a shared campus in the Brattle Street neighborhood in Cambridge among the most unique historic college campuses in the world. By virtue of the partnership, Lesley expanded its dormitory, dining and office facilities, and the two institutions share the Sherrill Library, as well as the picturesque campus“Our partnership with EDS has created tremendous opportunity for both institutions to meet their missions and serve their students. EDS has been a committed partner and neighbor and we look forward to opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the years to come,” said President Moore.