Gorovitz re-appointed director of nationally acclaimed Renee Crown University Honors Program

Gorovitz re-appointed director of nationally acclaimed Renee Crown University Honors ProgramApril 16, 2008Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Cathryn R. Newton has announced that Samuel Gorovitz, founding director of the Renee Crown University Honors Program, has agreed to extend his leadership of the program for two years. Gorovitz was appointed in spring 2004, when the program was redeveloped to reflect the University’s emphasis on enriched intellectual depth and breadth, communicative empowerment, global awareness and civic engagement.

“Professor Gorovitz has done a remarkable job as the founding leader of this edgy, nationally prominent program,” Newton says. “As I transition out as dean, I am confident that his insistent and relentless pursuit of excellence for the Crown Honors Program will continue to propel it forward in new and exciting ways.”

In addition to continuing to strengthen the program in all of its dimensions, Gorovitz will work with faculty to complete the development of Honors governance by expanding the Honors core faculty, creating an Honors Council, and identifying and cultivating new leadership for the program.

First established in 1963, the University’s Honors Program has borne the name of Renee Crown since 2002, when her family presented a naming gift to celebrate her many contributions to the University. About 200 students are admitted to the program each year. In addition to pursuing their course of study in their home school or college, Honors students participate in a variety of curricular enrichment activities, civic engagement and interdisciplinary Honors courses, seminars and workshops. Honors students also complete a comprehensive capstone project appropriate to their major.