Salem College’s Celebration of Academic Excellence has a new name: The Susan E. Pauly Celebration of Academic Excellence.

This event was initiated in 2008 as a way to highlight and share academic research conducted by students and faculty. Salem’s commitment to academic excellence has been a critically important pursuit for President Susan Pauly, who became Salem Academy and College’s 19th President in 2006.

Soon after President Pauly’s inauguration, she turned her attention to the creation of this annual research symposium. Now in its seventh year, the Celebration of Academic Excellence covers a multitude of disciplines, such as business, psychology, gender studies, performing arts, science and math, literature, foreign language, economics, international relations, and history. The day-long event is split into eight major sessions, with two Graduate Education sessions held the evening prior to the Day of Excellence.

When Dr. Pauly announced her retirement in September 2013, the Salem Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors sought a way to honor Pauly’s exemplary leadership at Salem Academy and College. The naming of the Susan E. Pauly Celebration of Academic Excellence will perpetuate Dr. Pauly’s love for and dedication to academics and her vision for Salem’s continuing excellence, which has enriched Salem’s students, faculty, and the community.

Dr. Pauly learned about this tribute at a surprise reception held on April 14, 2014, attended by many of her friends and colleagues, members of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Visitors, and her family who joined together to reveal the naming of this event. Through tears of joy, Pauly said, “Nothing could please me more. I will treasure knowing that many bright students and faculty for years to come will continue to share this research and knowledge with this community and in the world.”

In addition to this tribute, a January Term Study Fund was established in President Pauly’s name for Salem Academy. For more information on the Susan E. Pauly Celebration of Academic Excellence, please click here.