WHEREAS, Dr. Anthony J. DiGiorgio in 1989 was named the ninth president of Winthrop
College, now Winthrop University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. DiGiorgio has held that post for 24 years, making him one of the longest-
serving public university presidents in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Dr. DiGiorgio during that time transformed Winthrop University and led it
to achieve national recognition for quality and value in numerous ways, including:
Becoming the first South Carolina university to achieve 100 percent national accreditation
for all eligible academic programs.
Creating a signature contemporary educational experience, based in the traditional
liberal arts and specifically designed to help students develop their personal capacities
to "live, learn and lead" in a rapidly changing global society.
Aligning more than $150 million in new construction with Winthrop's nature and character
through the "Education by Design" process, resulting in the emergence of a new heart
of campus along Winthrop's Scholars Walk.
Seeding Winthrop's future by creating Winthrop's first and second capital campaigns,
as well as expanding the main campus through land acquisition to ensure the capacity
for Winthrop to grow as needed well into the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, Dr. DiGiorgio led Winthrop University through the daunting challenges of
the Great Recession in a calm and inspirational manner that served well both the campus
community and the institution, as well as the Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, Dr. DiGiorgio in March 2012 announced his plan to retire from the presidency
of Winthrop University in Summer 2013; and
WHEREAS, Winthrop University First Lady Gale DiGiorgio over the same 24 years has
served alongside Dr. DiGiorgio in numerous capacities, official and unofficial, to
advance Winthrop University and to promote a community spirit among its students,
faculty and staff; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. DiGiorgio is beloved by the Winthrop community for her dedicated volunteerism,
civic leadership, personal warmth, kindness and hospitality; and
WHEREAS, the DiGiorgios will continue to make their home in Rock Hill among "forever
friends" from both on campus and beyond; and
WHEREAS, the DiGiorgios have declared their intention to continue to be involved in
the life of the Winthrop University campus and the Rock Hill community as both lifelong
learners and committed and engaged citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees of Winthrop University shall remain eternally grateful for the
lasting transformative impact of Anthony J. and Gale N. DiGiorgio on Winthrop University;
THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED:
That the Winthrop University Board of Trustees do hereby confer on Gale Nesius DiGiorgio
the title of First Lady Emeritus of Winthrop University, and
That the Winthrop University Board of Trustees do hereby confer on Anthony Joseph
DiGiorgio the title of President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Public Service
and Leadership, with all the rights and privileges thereto appertaining.
April 12, 2013
