A Heart for Serving Others
Dear Emory alumni and friends of the university,
Last month, I participated in Emory’s annual Alumni Awards — a cherished tradition that brings together extraordinary Emory graduates from across the nation and world. The ceremony celebrates some of the most accomplished members of the Emory community and gives us a chance to appreciate their achievements and recognize the tremendous value and lasting impact of an Emory degree.
I had the honor to present the Emory Medal, the university’s highest alumni award, to Chilton Varner and Dr. John Hardman. Chilton is a trailblazing lawyer who, as a partner at law firm King & Spalding, established a legendary reputation as a litigator — representing high profile clients in landmark cases — and leader in the legal profession. John was President and CEO of The Carter Center for more than 20 years, tapped by President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter to expand the reach of the center as it took on complex global challenges — mental health, violent conflicts and pernicious and neglected diseases to name just a few.
John and Chilton reached the pinnacle of their professions yet always kept a heart for serving others. This is true of countless Emory graduates. It is core to who we are.
I reflect on this distinctive Emory ethos as we enter a period of uncertainty in higher education that has renewed a discussion about the value of universities. Since World War II, American universities, in close collaboration with the federal government, have been unmatched engines of opportunity — improving health, creating jobs, powering economic growth, educating talented students, deepening knowledge and driving innovation. Now, more than ever before, we must show all that Emory contributes to society.
As president of our great institution, I am doing this in a variety of ways, including regular trips to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials. I have had fruitful conversations with lawmakers, and I am listening to their concerns while sharing the immense contributions of Emory’s faculty, physicians, nurses, researchers, students, staff and alumni. I plan to be in DC often in the year ahead, telling the Emory story and advocating for our important work.
Our university educates talented, thoughtful and creative graduates who understand, on a fundamental level, that success comes with a commitment to giving back and improving the lives of others. Chilton and John are shining examples of this. The Emory mission generates knowledge that advances human understanding, healthcare, and discovery. If you put those things together — talented, principled graduates and paradigm-shifting research, scholarship, and healthcare — you have a public good like no other. That is the Emory story we are all proud of and one that we need to share today and every day.
Gregory L. Fenves
President
Emory University
