The Lowdown: Greg Fenves

I Bet You Didn't Know...Greg Fenves is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering as well as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

By Marcia Caller Jaffe June 15, 2023, 10:59 am Edit

After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.

Atlanta is chock full of interesting “movers and shakers” – some bent on creativity, activism and/or just plain having fun and living the good life. Lean in to hear some of the “off the cuff” remarks as to what makes Greg Fenves tick.

As the president of Emory University, Greg Fenves has distinguished himself as an eminent researcher and educator, as well as an experienced academic leader. He is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering as well as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Since arriving at Emory in 2020, he has focused on initiatives to improve the student experience, recruit, and retain world class faculty, spur research breakthroughs, and reinforce the university’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Last year, he expanded financial aid to eliminate need-based loans for undergraduate students, replacing them with grants and scholarships.

With his career spanning four decades, Fenves has spoken out powerfully against discrimination, delivering the keynote address during the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust’s Days of Remembrance event at the Georgia State Capitol in 2022, and receiving awards from Holocaust Museum Houston and the Dallas Holocaust Museum, among others.

Learn about where to find Emory’s leader…in a hip hop class.

Last time I was moved to tears?
Whenever I last watched “Casablanca” — that movie always gets me, especially “La Marseillaise.”

Last class I took?
I attended a hip hop dance class at Emory…I just watched and listened, but it was awesome!

Last time I danced?
My daughter’s wedding…and the next time I’ll dance will be at my other daughter’s upcoming wedding!

The best advice my father gave me was…
The way he lived his life as a survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald.

I’m streaming…
Carmel (wife) and I just finished “The Widow.” We also really liked “Daisy Jones & The Six” — great ‘60s music that we grew up with!

What was your first job?
When I was 17, I got a job as a computer programmer and, back then, a single computer took up a whole room!

What advice would you give a 20-year-old Greg Fenves?
Don’t hesitate to take smart risks.

My comfort food is…
Tex-Mex at Maudie’s in Austin. My go-to dish is “The Regular Dinner,” which is a big plate with enchiladas, chili, and a taco. The best!

I am currently reading…
“Man’s Search for Meaning,” by Viktor Frankl.

My latest DIY project?
Installing a soundbar on a TV that is so old I should probably replace it.

If they made a movie of your life, who would play the lead?
I have to go with my doppelganger, Peter Gallagher. I don’t know if I see it, but a few people have mistaken me for him.

College students today are definitely more…
Motivated! Emory students especially.

My engineer brain keeps telling me…
Don’t talk like an engineer!

comments