Fontbonne University’s Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

Fontbonne University honored Dr. Dennis Golden at the Tribute to Leadership and Legacy gala, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Dr. Golden, Fontbonne’s 13th president, is retiring June 30 after 19 years of service to the university. Proceeds from the gala will go toward scholarships and furthering Dr. Golden’s vision of Fontbonne as a preferred destination for students who seek excellence in higher education.

During his time at the university, Dr. Golden has overseen unprecedented change and growth. He not only has proven a guiding force throughout the ever-evolving landscape of higher education but also a most loyal proponent and steward of the university’s mission, vision, values and Catholic identity.

Some of the highlights of Dr. Golden’s 19 year tenure as president:

• First male, married, lay president of then Fontbonne College;
• Two Fontbonne traditions are reestablished: Academic Convocation and the Chain Link Ceremony, which symbolically connects each of Fontbonne’s graduation classes;
• The first phase of the campus master plan, 1997, begins with initial renovation of the East Building (formerly the Fine Arts Building) and a $6.3 million renovation of what is known now as the Fine Arts Building (Southwest Hall);
• 2000-The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, founders of Fontbonne, enter into a Sponsorship Agreement, the first of its kind for the university, which continues to this day;
• 2002-As a result of academic excellence, significant growth and increased stature, Fontbonne changes its status from College to University;
• Fontbonne completes the “Vitality and Vision” capital campaign for $15 million, 2002;
• In 2004, Fontbonne completes a $3.3 million renovation of the East building, adding classrooms, conference rooms and offices, as well as the newly dedicated Center for Teacher and Therapist Education;
• 2005-Fonbonne completes a $1.36 million renovation of the Denham Student Activity Center, which creates a more welcoming, comfortable place for students with the addition of a new cafe, fireplace, and second-story patio, as well as a refurbished fitness center;
• 2008-Fontbonne community inaugurates Fontbonne Day, a university-wide day of service throughout the St. Louis community that engages students, faculty, staff and administration;
• 2009-Fontbonne completes an 11.4 million renovation of the former Science Building, now called Anheuser-Busch Hall;
• 2010-The university completes the successful “Now…More Than Ever” comprehensive campaign for $20 million.
• 2012-The university establishes the College of Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders;
• 2013-Fontbonne celebrates its 90th anniversary as an institution of higher learning.
• 2014-On April 24, Dr. Golden gave an inaugural Last Lecutre, sharing his response to the question, “If you kniew this was the last lecture you ever would give, what would you share with the students?”

The gala celebrated these and other successes during Dr. Golden’s presidency, summarized in a video presentation. The honorable Harold Sanger, Mayor, City of Clayton, presented Dr. Golden and his wife, Monica, with a proclamation and watercolor of their residence. St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley also read a proclamation in their honor and conferred a key to St. Louis County. Then a master’s candidate, Monica Kleekamp ’12, described the profound influence Dr.and Mrs. Golden have made on her life.

Dr. Golden conveyed his own sentiments. He “received a call to come to Fontbonne. It has been a labor of love”. He remarked he was born and grew up in Queens, New York, but continued “they say home is where the heart is, and my heart is in St. Louis”. To reinforce his point, he promptly put on his Cardinals hat. He then brought his successor to the podium, president-elect  Dr. Michael Pressimone, and conferred him a Cardinals hat.

Dr. and Monica Golden’s era may have lasted only a generation, but their impact will have lasting impact. As the evening concluded, Isabella Liu ’13 sang the Irish Blessing. Not a dry eye could be found in the house.

Fontbonne University, a Catholic coeducational institution of higher learning, offers liberal arts and professional programs in a values-based, student-centered setting. Approximately 2,000 students annually take advantage of the university’s high-quality academic programs and wonderful campus environment. Founded in 1923 and still sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Fontbonne is located in Clayton, MO, a well-maintained, beautiful suburb in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Fontbonne University seeks to educate students to think critically, to act ethically, and to assume responsibility as citizens and leaders.