Our Director, Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, was recognized at the May meeting of the faculty of Princeton University for his more than three-and-a-half decades of service as Princeton’s official parliamentarian. It was also announced by Dean of the Faculty Gene Jarrett that Professor Frances Lee, a faculty associate of the James Madison Program and a member of its executive committee, will begin serving as parliamentarian in the fall. Dean Jarrett read aloud the following citation:

At this time, in the spirit of celebrating colleagues renowned for their distinguished longevity and legacy at the University, I am reporting that, after starting as parliamentarian at Princeton close to four decades ago, in academic year 1986-87, this will be the last Faculty meeting in which Robert George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, will serve in this crucial role.

For generations of faculty, Robby has upheld his parliamentarian responsibilities with distinction and diligence: he has been reliable and judicious, a procedural steward of Faculty governance at the University, and, behind the scenes, a thoughtful interlocutor as we seek to ensure the success of each and every Faculty meeting.

Although Robby’s time as an accomplished faculty member at Princeton is not over, we would be remiss, during this current occasion, if we did not congratulate him for being one of the longest serving parliamentarians in the University’s history.

I am grateful to Frances Lee, Professor of Politics and Public Affairs, who undoubtedly will have the proverbial large shoes to fill when she begins this fall as parliamentarian. Of course, given that Robby has already expressed a willingness to serve as a substitute for to Frances in case she is unavailable, these very large shoes, practically speaking, likely will never be too far away on campus.

Everyone, please join me in a round of applause to recognize Professor Robby George for his remarkable decades-long service to Princeton as parliamentarian, and let’s wish him the best.