John Garvey Photo by Gary Wayne Gilbert)
Garvey Steps Down as Law Dean
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Boston College Law School Dean John Garvey, whose 11-year tenure helped to raise the law school's reputation and stature, has become the president of Catholic University in Washington, DC, effective July 1.In a letter to the BC Law community, Garvey described his appointment as a "wonderful opportunity," while stressing the difficulty of making the decision to leave the law school. "I have loved my 11 years at Boston College, and I am so thankful to have been able to lead one of the best law schools in the nation," he said.
"I am proud of what we have accomplished together - the world-class faculty we have added to what was already one of the best groups of law professors in the country, the launch of our first-ever capital campaign, the rebirth of our alumni association, the establishment of our first LL.M. program and of the Center for Human Rights, and the ever more impressive classes of remarkable students who pass through our doors each year."
Garvey, a former a professor at the University of Notre Dame Law School and a nationally renowned expert in constitutional law, was named dean by University President William P. Leahy, SJ, in 1999. In accepting his resignation, Fr. Leahy praised Garvey as a person of integrity and compassion who cares deeply about the important role that law plays in American society.
"John Garvey did an excellent job as dean and leaves BC Law in a position of strength as one of the nationÕs premier law schools," said Fr. Leahy. "I wish him the very best in his new role as president of Catholic University."
"It is the relationships I have built at BC Law that I will treasure most," said Garvey. "My colleagues have all taught me a lot. I will miss my discussions with students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the energy in the classrooms and beyond, the collegial atmosphere that makes this law school such a special place."
Robert Drinan, SJ, Professor George Brown was named interim dean of BC Law School this week. A national search for a successor will begin this summer.