Dr. Joseph Gillespie to Deliver Manor College Founders Day Keynote Speech
Dr. Gillespie is currently the Provost at Manor College.
Dr. Joseph Gillespie will be the Keynote Speaker for Manor College’s 21st Founders Day Ceremony, the institution announced.
“I feel honored and I feel humbled,” Dr. Gillespie said. “This is an important day at Manor. I know Sister Cecilia started Founders Day 21 years ago to celebrate Manor – who we are and the gift we are to so many. I understand that the Keynote Speaker needs to convey that message and to think I am worthy of taking on that noble task is humbling for sure.”
Dr. Gillespie is currently the Provost at Manor College. He came to Manor College in December 2020 after a long career in education. As a graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep, he became passionate about education after having male teachers for the first time.
“I saw men passionate about what they did,” Dr. Gillespie said. “It was evident they loved what they were doing each day. As they talked about their families and their interest in the profession, I knew that was what I wanted to do.”
Dr. Gillespie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and English from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland, a Masters of Education from Temple University and a Doctorate of Education from Widener University. He credits the students for his love of Manor College.
“I love our students – their vitality, uncertainties, inquisitiveness and desire,” Dr. Gillespie said. “I love our commitment to our students. I love that my colleagues support me and what I do. I love that we have a well thought out Mission and we are dedicated to it. These factors are special and they do not happen everywhere.”
The Founders Day keynote speech will take place on Thursday, January 25 during the Founders Day ceremony. Dr. Gillespie hopes to use his speech as a way to inspire others.
“I want those who hear the speech to feel inspired to continue to serve an institution with such a storied history and noble mission,” Dr. Gillespie said. “I hope they leave inspired to continue the courageous work started by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great 76 years ago when they founded the college.”
Founders Day Information
Founders Day is a campus-wide tradition that brings together the Manor community to celebrate the founders of Manor College, the Sisters of St. Basil the Great.
During the celebration, Manor College will honor students who were nominated for the Mother Josaphat Medal, announce the award’s recipient, bestow the Educator of the Year award and hear inspiring words from our keynote speaker.
The two-day celebration begins with Tea with the Sisters on Tuesday, January 24 at 3 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Basil the Great Motherhouse Dining Hall. The Founders Day ceremony begins on Wednesday, January 25 at noon, followed by a prayer service at 1:30 p.m. and a reception at 2 p.m.
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