Dr. J. Roy Geiger II honored at the EPPL Alumni Breakfast
Dr. J. Roy Geiger II became the 6th recipient of the Jo Lynne DeMary Award that recognizes distinguished leadership and
contribution to the field of education. The EPPL Program held its
annual alumni breakfast to honor Dr. Geiger on March 19, 2009 at the
Sadler Center. Dozens of alumni, students, and faculty were in
attendance.
Virginia
McLaughlin, Dean and Chancellor Professor of the School of Education,
and Megan Tschannen-Moran, EPPL Program Coordinator and the Wakefield
Distinguished Associate Professor, welcomed alumni. Michael DiPaola,
Chancellor Professor at William and Mary School of Education,
introduced Dr. Geiger and his family and provided a warm sketch of the
Guest of Honor's life work. DiPaola used a quote from Michelangelo that
described Dr. Geiger’s leadership in public schools: “The greater
danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling
short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark". DiPaola
then presented Geiger with an inscribed marble lamp thanking him for
his service and contribution to education in Virginia. Geiger was
genuinely pleased to receive the award and pledged a continuing
commitment to the William and Mary School of Education. “I am deeply
honored to receive this award. Dr. DeMary has been an inspiration to me
and many educational leaders in our state. This recognition means so
much to me since The College has played a key role in my personal
education and preparation to serve as a school superintendent.” Geiger's name will remain on a plaque outside the
Dean's office along with the other Jo Lynne DeMary Award recipients.
Geiger is retiring as the Superintendent of Schools for New Kent County
at the end of this academic year where he has served in this capacity
since 1995. He began his career in New Kent as a teacher 34 years ago.
New Kent County Public Schools are situated in the 10 fastest growing
communities in Virginia. In recent years both elementary schools have
been renovated and expanded to accommodate this growth. A new high
school was built and opened for the 2008-2009 school year with the
capacity to serve 1,400 students.
