Photos: Farewell gala for President James Wagner

Photos: Farewell gala for President James Wagner

June 7, 2016

Emory University President James Wagner, who announced in the fall that he would retire in August, was honored June 3, 2016, with a farewell gala in the Astor Ballroom of The St. Regis Atlanta.

Emory University President James Wagner, who announced in the fall that he would retire in August, was honored June 3, 2016, with a farewell gala in the Astor Ballroom of The St. Regis Atlanta.

President Wagner and his wife, Debbie Wagner, pose before the start of the gala, which was titled "The Wise Heart: A Salute to James W. Wagner."

President Wagner and his wife, Debbie Wagner, pose before the start of the gala, which was titled "The Wise Heart: A Salute to James W. Wagner."

Invited guests at "The Wise Heart" farewell gala had the opportunity to write personal messages to the Wagners.

Invited guests at "The Wise Heart" farewell gala had the opportunity to write personal messages to the Wagners.

The Wagners greet guests in the receiving line at the formal gala.

The Wagners greet guests in the receiving line at the formal gala.

The evening included music, remarks from a variety of Emory leaders and a tribute video heralding President Wagner's accomplishments in 13 years at Emory's helm.

The evening included music, remarks from a variety of Emory leaders and a tribute video heralding President Wagner's accomplishments in 13 years at Emory's helm.

Claire E. Sterk, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory, poses for a photo with her husband, Kirk Elifson, a research professor in the Rollins School of Public Health. On Friday, Sterk was named the 20th president of Emory University.

Claire E. Sterk, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory, poses for a photo with her husband, Kirk Elifson, a research professor in the Rollins School of Public Health. Hours before the gala, Sterk was named the 20th president of Emory University.

President-Elect Sterk and President Wagner talk together during the gala.

President-Elect Sterk and President Wagner talk together during the gala.

Jonathan S. Lewin, Emory's executive vice president for health affairs, was among the speakers for the evening's program.

Jonathan S. Lewin, Emory's executive vice president for health affairs, was among the speakers for the evening's program.

In his remarks, President Wagner expressed abundant appreciation for the chance to serve the people of Emory.

In his remarks, President Wagner expressed abundant appreciation for the chance to serve the people of Emory.

As President Wagner prepares to depart, he leaves Emory well-positioned to continue fulfilling the University's mission "to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity."

As President Wagner prepares to depart, he leaves Emory well-positioned to continue fulfilling the University's mission "to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity."

Emory President James Wagner, who will retire in August, was honored with a farewell gala held June 3 at The St. Regis Atlanta. Titled "The Wise Heart: A Salute to James W. Wagner," the evening included the presentation of a tribute video, also called "The Wise Heart" — a reference to how Wagner has embodied Emory's motto, "Cor Prudentis Possidebit Scientiam," which translates to "The wise heart seeks knowledge."

The event began with a welcome from J. Crystal Edmonson 95C, former president of the Emory Alumni Board, and included remarks from Ashish R. Gandhi 13C 15PH, former president of the Student Government Association; Jonathan S. Lewin, executive vice president for health affairs; Claire E. Sterk, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Michael J. Mandl, executive vice president for business and administration; Laura J. Hardman 67C, trustee emerita; Wendell S. Reilly 80C, trustee; and John F. Morgan 67OX 69B, chair of the board of trustees. Bishop G. Lindsey Davis, vice chair of the board of trustees, delivered the blessing.

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