Presented at the 2015 Commencement Ceremony at Franklin & Marshall College

The Richard Kneedler Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize annually one member of the professional staff who consistently goes above and beyond what would normally be expected, who has earned the respect of students and colleagues, and who has clearly demonstrated his or her commitment to the mission of the College. Nominations for this prestigious award were accepted from members of the campus community and reviewed by a committee of professional staff. From among many fine nominees, the committee recommended Christine Alexander as this year's award recipient.

It is said that the deepest rivers flow with the least sound. If that is true, then Ms. Alexander, registrar and associate director of institutional research, most certainly is one of Franklin & Marshall College's most profound channels.

A Lancaster County native, Ms. Alexander came to the College with a high school diploma to work in the Office of Admission as a data entry clerk. She brought with her a quiet dignity, a determination to further her education, and an indefatigable work ethic that has allowed her to accomplish prodigious tasks and realize lifelong dreams.

Ms. Alexander, the first in her family to attend college, launched her academic career immediately after beginning work at F&M, earning a bachelor's degree in English from Lebanon Valley College and a master's degree in the same subject from Millersville University. Impressively, she earned both degrees while working full time.

Poised, professional and pleasant, Ms. Alexander's colleagues commend her for her many contributions to the College, particularly in the seven years she has served as registrar. "She is an extraordinary member of the F&M community—enormously respected and appreciated by students, faculty, and professional staff alike," says Professor of History Maria Mitchell, former chair of the Faculty Council.

As registrar, Ms. Alexander has the pulse of the community. She offers vital support to myriad campus constituencies and adroitly manages many central elements of every student's F&M experience. The registrar is central to faculty lives, as well; student registrations dictate the patterns of enrollment and faculty advisers' experiences with their advisees. Ms. Alexander's conscientious research also makes it possible for students to receive well-deserved departmental honors and awards.

Self-effacing and soft-spoken, Ms. Alexander prefers to keep a low profile, often working behind the scenes to affect meaningful and essential change. Faculty and administrators are swift to praise her efforts on Project Boost, when for nearly two years, in addition to running the registrar's office, she helped lead the urgently needed modernization of computer software systems that manage student and academic information, human resources and finances at F&M.

Christine Alexander, your extraordinary leadership, exceptional service and commitment to excellence strengthens the very fabric of the Franklin & Marshall community. The College's students, faculty and professional staff thank you for your unflagging dedication and spirit.

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Citations:

Richard Plepler '81: Doctor of Letters

Robert Kwesi Koomson '97: Doctor of Humane Letters

Sherry Turkle, Ph.D.: Doctor of Science

Lynn Matluck Brooks: Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching

Michael L. Anderson: Bradley R. Dewey Award for Outstanding Scholarship

Robert Gray: Socrates Citation

Cecile Zorach: Socrates Citation

Lina Bernstein: Socrates Citation