The Activist

Issue date: 11/30/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Ashley Brock RWC Interim Dean Don O'Meara (right) gives thumbs up to faculty, staff, and students who turned out to welcome new UC President Gregory Williams, who looks on and smiles (left).

On Monday, November 9, RWC welcomed Dr. Gregory H. Williams, the 27th President of the University of Cincinnati, to this campus for the first time.

In an event that has never happened before at RWC, faculty, staff, and students alike stood along the walkway between the back parking lot and the Flory Center to welcome and greet the new President.

Inside the Flory Center, the College staged a more formal welcoming ceremony, hosted by Interim Dean Don O'Meara. "I am so pleased that you could join us on this special afternoon," Dean O'Meara announced to the crowd, "as we welcome UC's 27th president, Dr. Gregory Williams on his very first visit to our campus. President Williams, you will not find a more passionate, dedicated staff."

Dean O'Meara later stated that he was "impressed by the turnout" and that he thought that it was "important that the community [representatives] showed up."

RWC Faculty Chair Charlotte Skinner also welcomed the new president, followed by Staff Council Chair Linda Jacobs, who mentioned that "Every day we win races and we move mountains here at RWC." She added a colorful metaphor in which she compared the RWC community to the ingredients of a really good peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Student Government President Rachael Landon welcomed President Williams on "behalf of the new students" and recounted why students appreciate RWC.

Robert J. Buckman, Jr., Mayor of the City of Blue Ash, stated that he was thankful "for the honor of being here to welcome UC's 27th president." He continued by informing President Williams that he would always be welcome in Blue Ash.

Then President Williams took the podium. He thanked everyone for their welcome and stated that "it was important to see RWC and the city of Blue Ash tied together. I am just delighted to hear about the students and the staff."

The President recounted his experience of growing up and "being a white boy discovering he was black." He stated that "you can be whatever you want if you pursue higher education. I am an example of the transformational power of education. We are going to build something ever better here."

Dean O'Meara followed by presenting President Williams a gift from RWC, and a closing of thanks finished off the ceremony.

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