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Gordon and Suzanne Kingsley Each Receive UE Medal of Honor

Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2014

University of Evansville Presidential Medals of Honor were presented to Gordon and Suzanne Kingsley by UE President Thomas A. Kazee on June 19 at Harlaxton College, the University’s British campus. The Medal of Honor, the highest award that a UE president can bestow on an individual, were given to the Kingsleys in honor of their long and valuable service to the University. For more than 10 years, until their retirement at the end of June 2014, Gordon Kingsley held the position of principal and Suzanne Kingsley that of director of planning and design at Harlaxton.

“It was an honor to receive the Medal of Honor from Dr. Kazee at Harlaxton College on the occasion of our retirement,” said Suzanne Kingsley. “We were not aware of the existence of this recognition, so it was all the more impactful, certainly a highlight of the event."

Gordon Kingsley added that “Gratefully and warmly, we receive these significant medallions and will wear them on our own persons for ceremonial occasions. But chief recognition in fact should go to our small Harlaxton staff for bringing the glory of Harlaxton Manor back to life while enhancing the best study abroad program in the world. Our time at Harlaxton College has been deeply fulfilling.”

Before coming to Harlaxton in 2003, Kingsley was a professor of literature and religion at Tulane University, Mississippi College, the University of Louisville, and William Jewell College, all in the United States. At William Jewell, he served as academic dean before spending 13 years as the college’s president. In a study funded by the Exxon Foundation, he was named among the top 5 percent of America’s most effective university leaders.

Suzanne Kingsley (then Suzanne Patterson) was formerly vice president for advancement at William Jewell, raising funds for a new science building among other projects. She has also been a consultant to private colleges in the areas of planning and fundraising.

 

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