April 25, 1970
The Library was dedicated in a ceremony that took place in Gaston Hall. The Hoya reported that University officials, fearing student demonstrations, opted to conduct the program there because greater security could be provided. A small number of protesters did gather, most opposed to the naming of the Library for a casualty of the Vietnam War. Dr. Donald R. Penn, long-time professor of History at Georgetown, delivered the dedicatory address in which he described the opening of Lauinger as 'a giant step forward' and 'a milestone is the history of Georgetown.' Howard W. Gunlocke, a 1934 graduate who had funded the Library's rare book room and special collections department, was awarded an honorary degree. Musical entertainment was provided by the University Glee Club and the Georgetown Chimes. Lieutenant Lauinger had sung with the latter group while a student.
Read a transcript of the full text of the dedication program.
THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTORS OF GEORGETOWN COLLEGE, TO ALL WHO
SHALL VIEW THIS DOCUMENT: GREETINGS AND PEACE IN THE LORD
It is always with understandable pride and elation that Georgetown University
offers just tribute to one of her Alumni, in whom she recognizes the enduring fruits
of her training, the living apologia of her endeavors. And it is particularly gratifying
when the personal success of maturing years is marked by commensurate growth in
civic and social responsibility.
Following eight years of Georgetown training, in Preparatory School and College,
our honored Alumnus of today began his business career in his family's corporation;
since that time—save for some five years of patriotic service as an officer in World
War II and after—and for the past quarter century as its chief executive, by industry
and initiative he has enhanced his company's position to its present prestigious
standing in the manufacturing world. Among his wide and varied interests in the
betterment of life for his fellow citizens, most notable are his contributions to the
field of educational advancement, in his worthily acclaimed services to our sister
Alfred University, in his native State of New York. At the same time, he has through
the years proved himself a loyal and devoted Son of Georgetown, in unflagging and
enthusiastic support of her interests and projects, culminating in a truly magnificent
gift toward the edifice whose dedication is the occasion of today's happy celebration.
For the personal success he has achieved, his Alma Mater offers her praise; for the
illustration in his life of her training and principles, she warmly hails him; and for his
filial and faithful devotion, the President and Directors, in her name, proudly and
happily bestow on him Georgetown University's highest mark of approbation, esteem
and gratitude, by nominating and proclaiming
HOWARD W. GUNLOCKE, A.B. '34
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
In lasting testimony and memorial whereof, they have duly issued these their
formal letters patent, under their hand and the Great Seal of the University, from
Georgetown, in ceremonies dedicating The Joseph Mark Lauinger Memorial Library,
the twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of grace one thousand nine hundred and
seventy, of Georgetown College the one hundred and eighty-first year.
Daniel J. Altobello
Secretary
Robert J. Henle, S.J.
President
Edwin A. Quain, S.J.
Chairman, Board of Directors
DEDICATION OF THE
JOSEPH MARK LAUINGER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Saturday, April 25, 1970, 4:30 p.m.
MUSICAL PRELUDE ......... Georgetown Symphony String Ensemble
Louis C. Fantasia, Director
INVOCATION ......... Georgetown University Glee Club
Paul Hume, Director
MASTER OF CEREMONIES ......... Thomas R. Fitzgerald, S.J.
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Georgetown University
WELCOMING REMARKS ......... R. J. Henle, S.J.
President, Georgetown University
JOSEPH E. JEFFS
Librarian
CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREE ......... Howard W. Gunlocke, A.B.
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Presented by R. J. Henle, S.J.
MUSICAL INTERLUDE ......... Georgetown University Glee Club
ADDRESS ........ Donald R. Penn, Ph.D.
Professor of History, Georgetown University
MUSICAL INTERLUDE ......... Georgetown Chimes
ALMA MATER ......... Glee Club, Chimes
RECEPTION AND TOURS
After the dedication there will be a reception in New South. The library staff
will conduct tours after the reception.