Former President Jeff Weiss and his wife, Gerri, both said they still consider themselves “ambassadors of Lesley,” having been impressed by the university’s commitment to social justice even before Weiss’s two years as president.
“Two-and-a-quarter,” former President Weiss corrected, to laughter and applause among the more than 100 well-wishers gathered in Alumni Hall Thursday evening.
Among the speakers on hand to honor (and occasionally rib) Weiss, who resigned his post last August due to personal health reasons, were interim President Richard Hansen, university Trustees Chair Hans Strauch, Trustees Vice Chairs Barbara Russell and Juanita James, and Dr. Jonathan Jefferson, chair of our Business Management Division.
"We are a better place because of your stewardship and leadership," Interim President Rich Hansen told Jeff Weiss.
Strauch credited the former president with “opening up our minds and making us better communicators,” though he also joshed about Weiss’s predilection for sending abundant emails at all hours of the night.
Weiss’s ultra-Type-A work habits were also alternately praised and razzed by Russell, who chaired the presidential search committee that hired him.
“His door was always open, his email was always working,” Russell said, “… and he would listen.”
Jefferson said Weiss’s respect for open discussion is observed today.
“Jeff has laid the path that we are now walking down in Faculty Assembly,” Jefferson said.
Both Strauch and Russell honored Weiss for his enormous impact in a brief tenure, highlighting the completion of the Brattle Campus acquisition, as well as the launch of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
The latter accomplishment was hailed by trustee James, who said, “Lesley University is a healthier, more robust and inclusive institution” as a result of Weiss’s vision and efforts.
Board member Barbara Russell speaks to Jeff and Gerri Weiss.
Interim President Hansen — who served as interim provost during Weiss’s presidency — echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are a better place because of your stewardship and leadership.”
Weiss thanked the attendees, who included past and present trustees, faculty members, staff, students, alumni and family members, but he refused to accept all the credit for Lesley’s recent growth and greater inclusivity.
“We did this,” Weiss said. “I don’t go anywhere where someone has not been touched by what we did,” whether it’s the parent of a student thriving in the Threshold program, or a professional reaping the benefits of a Lesley education and experience.
That experience of innovation and inclusiveness, Weiss added, gives students and alumni hope in an often frightening and “borderline ridiculous world.”
“Thank you all for all you do for Lesley,” Weiss said.
See more photos from the event here.