The Neumann University Board of Trustees recently granted President Emeritus status to Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, whose retirement after 21 years as university president will become official on July 16.
“Dr. Mirenda meets all of the criteria for this distinguished status,” said James Delaney, chairperson of the Board. “She has been the CEO, spiritual leader, and guardian of this campus for 21 years. Neumann University is well-positioned for the future because of her extraordinary leadership, and the Board is delighted to award this recognition to her.”
According to the President Emeritus policy, “President Emeritus status should be reserved to honor a university president who is retiring or has retired; has provided outstanding and distinguished service to Neumann University; and has served as university president for at least 10 years.”
The policy defines “outstanding and distinguished service” as service “which goes beyond the normal duties and responsibilities of the appointment, and which has had extraordinary impact on the university and/or broader community.”
It also stipulates that the individual has exemplified “the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision, and leadership” and has advanced “the Catholic Franciscan mission of the university.”
As President Emeritus, Dr. Mirenda may be called upon by Dr. Chris E. Domes, the new university president, to provide counsel or to serve in other volunteer capacities in support of the university.
Dr. Mirenda has indicated a willingness to assist with the Forward with Faith campaign.
“I have been blessed to serve this wonderful university and the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for more than four decades,” said Dr. Mirenda. “I am humbled by this Board decision and assure the university community of my continued interest in and support of Neumann and its Catholic Franciscan tradition.”
