June 14, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
I am truly pleased to share an achievement that exemplifies the very heart of our mission at Gettysburg College: the College has been selected for the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. This prestigious honor—bestowed to only 25 institutions nationwide—is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering leaders who serve the greater good.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the American Council on Education (ACE), and the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University have recognized our collective efforts in cultivating leadership skills among our students, faculty, and staff. In so many ways, this classification highlights our dedication to addressing today’s complex societal challenges and instilling within our community the leadership skills and values to rise to the “unfinished work” of our time.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching sponsors Elective Classifications for those institutions that have made extraordinary commitments to their public purpose. Institutions apply to be recognized by the Carnegie Foundation through a specific Elective Classification theme and make significant commitments to that theme.
It is important to note that Elective Classifications are not awards; rather, they are evidence-based assessments of institutional policy and practices. The Classifications recognize institutions that embed a commitment to public purpose in the learning, teaching, and research mission of their institution.
I would like to express my deepest thanks to the Gettysburg College team that worked throughout the 2023-24 academic year to build our self-study for Elective Classification: Andy Hughes, Executive Director of the Garthwait Leadership Center; Sam Anderson, Assistant Director for Leadership Development; Jon Allen, Director of Student Activities and Greek Life; Suhua Dong, Director of Institutional Analysis; Cassie Fockler, Assistant Director of Human Resources; Brigid Goss, Assistant Director of Student Engagement for the Eisenhower Institute; Jen Lucas, Executive Director of Human Resources; and Gail Sweezey, Dean of Admissions.
Upon receiving feedback on our application later this year, the team will once again engage the campus community to determine how we can continue to enhance our efforts around leadership for public purpose. This work matters more than ever, and we need to continue our efforts to reach higher and have more impact.
Please join me in offering a hearty thanks to our team and the many Gettysburgians across our community who supported this endeavor. It truly is a remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations!
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President