Remarks of Outgoing ACES President

(February 18, 2024)

In a message to the members of the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship, ACES President Burton Bargerstock shared the following thoughts:

"I want to express how profoundly humbling it has been to have served as the President of ACES and how grateful I am to you all. I recall having been concerned about my ability to take on this role when Lorilee Sandmann first asked me to consider it in the summer of 2017. Pat Sobrero’s vision for what ACES might become was inspiring, and her service as founding President set the bar high. It was intimidating. But Lorilee assured me that I wouldn’t be alone and could count on being able to draw on the commitment of the membership and Board. She was SO right! Whenever fresh new ideas were needed, or there was work to be done, I found so many ready to help. Together, over the past 6+ years, we have undertaken a number of initiatives meant to support the development of our young Academy. Thank you for your many contributions and indomitable good will. While progress has been made, there’s still so much more to do. I am confident that Suzanne’s leadership, supported by Mary, Lynn, Jeri, and the rest of the Board, will take ACES to new heights in advancing the role of community engagement scholarship for addressing societal challenges. Suzanne is an impressive scholar and thoughtful leader; she will be an outstanding President. In the years ahead, I look forward to continuing to help and know you will as well. Again, my thanks!"