College Honors Community and Campus Service at Annual Washington's Birthday Convocation, February 18

Chestertown, MD, February 9, 2006 — Washington College's annual George Washington's Birthday Convocation will honor those who have dedicated their lives to community and to campus service and leadership with the presentation of the first annual President's Medals and Distinguished Service Awards, Saturday, February 18, at 2 p.m., in the College's Tawes Theatre.

The event is free and the public is invited to attend.

In appreciation of individuals and organizations whose contributions enhance the quality of life in Chestertown and Kent County through service, volunteerism, and personal sacrifice, President Baird Tipson will award the inaugural President's Medals to Ruth Briscoe, Professor James Siemen, Nancy Dick, the Kent Family Center, and the Chestertown Volunteer Fire Department.

Tipson will also recognize exceptional performance, leadership, and service by employees of Washington College through the President's Distinguished Service Awards to be presented this year to Louis Saunders, Building and Grounds Department; Laura Johnstone Wilson, the College's Director of Campus Events; and Dr. Joachim Scholz, Provost and Dean of the College.

During the ceremonies, the College will also present former Washington College dean Dr. Barbara Mowat—now Chair and Director of Academic Programs of the Folger Institute in Washington, DC—with an Honorary Doctor of Letters. Dr. Mowat was instrumental in securing a gift of nearly 1,000 books on Medieval and Renaissance literature and culture for the College's Miller Library collection from former Folger Library head Dr. Werner Gundersheimer.

Alumnus Chuck Waesche, Class of 1953, will receive the Alumni Service Award, given annually to an alumnus who has given outstanding and continued support to the College through personal involvement on leadership committees, association with the student body and engagement of fellow alumni, and a selfless commitment of time and talent to enhance the welfare of the College.

There will be a reception in the lobby of Tawes Theatre immediately following the conclusion of the day's ceremonies.