Dean Thomas honored by Samir Somaiya at Somaiya Vidyavihar in Mumbai, India
Johnson’s dean distinguished as guest of honor at the dedication of the new College of Arts, Science & Commerce building at Somaiya Vidyavihar (“University”)
Samir Somaiya ’90, MS ’92, MBA ’93, vice president of Somaiya Vidyavihar (“University”) and chairman of the Somaiya Trust in Mumbai, India, honored Dean L. Joseph Thomas as the university’s guest of honor at the dedication and unveiling of Somaiya Vidyavihar’s new College of Arts, Science & Commerce building, christened “Aurobindo.”
Bill Huling ’68, MBA ’74, Johnson’s associate dean of Alumni Affairs and Development, and Tara Lynn, director of Alumni Affairs, also attended the event, held March 19, 2012.
Somaiya Vidyavihar’s cadet corps and honor guard warmly welcomed Dean Thomas, who unveiled two beautifully engraved dedication stones — one in Indian script and one in English — that stand in front of the new building. The inscriptions on the stones read:
Somaiya College of Arts, Science & Commerce
Inaugurated on 19th March, 2012
By
L. Joseph Thomas
Dean, Johnson Graduate School of Management,
Cornell University
Samir Somaiya
Vice President,
Somaiya Vidyavihar
In their speeches following the grand dedication ceremony, Somaiya and Thomas both emphasized the importance of academic freedom, which provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies, cross collaborations, and bringing research into the classroom. Thomas thanked Somaiya for the honor of inaugurating the building, and praised the great work of Somaiya Vidyavihar.
The gala event concluded with a lavish reception, complete with festive Indian music, dancing, and traditional food and drink.
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