Glendon said an official farewell to Louise Lewin, associate principal of student services, with a reception in the Glendon Manor ballroom May 14 with a record number of Glendon faculty, students and staff coming out to celebrate her accomplishments over the past 12 years.
“Louise Lewin is someone who gets things done, who approaches problems on a practical level. She is also a person of vision and ideas, as demonstrated by the many new inclusions in her portfolio during her tenure,” Glendon Principal Kenneth McRoberts said in his address to the assembled group.
Right: Kenneth McRoberts and Louise Lewin
“An important example is the expansion of international exchanges for the college from two, when she took over, to 20 at present. As long as she filled this position, I knew that I never had to worry about how things were going,” McRoberts said.
Frank Cappadocia, director of Student Community & Leadership Development at York’s Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development, spoke eloquently of his years of collaboration with Lewin. “Louise works with elegance, perseverance and a solid commitment to student life. Over the years she has also been a constant reminder about Glendon at the Keele campus, an outstanding ambassador for students and faculty.”
Amanda Sartori, president of the Glendon College Student Union, brought thanks from the entire student body. She described Lewin as someone who “is passionate, enthusiastic, empathetic – someone who has the students at heart. We will miss her.”
Left: Louise Lewin and Rosanna Furgiuele, current chair of Glendon's Department of French Studies and Lewin's successor
In her response, Lewin – clearly affected by the emotions of the moment – expressed her thanks for the support and collaboration she has received over the years. “I am overwhelmed and deeply moved by everyone’s presence,” she said. “You have also touched my heart.” She paid tribute to her team, who have worked with her so effectively through some very tough, as well as some very good times. “I was also very touched by the Friends of Glendon scholarship established in my name in 2007. But I leave this position with a peaceful feeling, knowing that my successor [Rosanna Furgiuele] will carry forward with the projects I have undertaken.”
Lewin is leaving her current position on June 30, but is not leaving York as a whole. As of July 1, she is taking on a new position which builds directly on her Glendon expertise. She will be academic director of the Ontario/Rhône-Alpes Student Exchange Program, housed on the Keele campus, keeping her in contact with students and their study-abroad activities.
“I know I will be back to Glendon frequently,” said Lewin. “It is au revoir – but definitely not goodbye.”
Submitted to YFile by Glendon communications officer Marika Kemeny