It is my welcome task today to honor a person who, since joining the Rutgers community a little over one year ago, has embodied the principles for which toady’s honorees have been selected. When Dr. Gregory Blimling first arrived to assume his position as Vice-president for Student Affairs I took the opportunity to request an appointment in order to introduce myself and our ministry at the Catholic Center. It was immediately apparent to me that here was a person committed to the good of the student community, a man who truly desired to build “bridges of dialogue, mutual understanding and respect.” Engaging in campus ministry at a state university brings with it particular challenges—as well as opportunities—which are at times significantly different than those experienced by our counterparts in private schools. My colleagues and I have been encouraged by Dr. Blimling’s efforts to engage in conversation with us and appreciate his acknowledgement of the role campus ministries can serve in a public University.

When the announcement was made that the University would host a visit from the Dalai Lama, Fr. Bezilla approached several campus ministers with a project he entitled “People of the Book.” After discussing the project among ourselves we decided to run it up the proverbial flagpole. Heartened by our previous meetings with Dr. Blimling, Fr. Bezilla approached him with the concept and since that time Dr. Blimling has not only offered moral support but has used the resources available to him to assist us with the realization of the project. For this we are sincerely grateful to him.

Encouraged by his conversations with us we have begun to explore concrete ways in which we can work with other University offices in our efforts to serve the student community. In particular we have begun a dialogue with the Rutgers Counseling Center which promises to bear much fruit. In these conversations Dr. Blimling’s name inevitably comes up. Our experience has been that we are not the only group on campus that has experienced the positive effect of Dr. Blimling’s leadership in the area of student affairs. There is a phrase some of us in Catholic circles use to assess the level of effective leadership in our church communities: Any parish is two degrees colder than its pastor! If this principle holds true for University Vice-presidents it is my conviction that the warmth and energy Dr. Blimling continues to manifest will go a long way in creating an enjoyable, healthy and productive climate here at Rutgers.

Dr. Blimling, while you may have arrived at Rutgers only a relatively short time ago, your influence has been clearly felt and my colleagues and I desire to reaffirm our commitment to working with you and the University in providing for the good and welfare of the students entrusted to our care. It is a privilege on behalf of my colleagues to be able to honor you this day.