High honors for seven exceptional leaders

Seven honorary degrees were bestowed by Howard E. Cosgrove, BE ’70M, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, on accomplished individuals from the UD community and beyond at the 2008 spring Commencement ceremonies.
The distinction, the highest honor the University bestows on those whose contributions to the public good warrant exceptional recognition, was presented this year to the following:

Charles M. Cawley, who founded MBNA and built it from a small credit card company located in a renovated Delaware supermarket to the world’s leading credit card lender, which was routinely rated one of the best places to work in America. Cawley served 12 years on UD’s Board of Trustees and is known for his philanthropy at the University and in the community.

Ernest Wayne Craven, H.F. du Pont Professor Emeritus of Art History, who was cited at the ceremony as a “champion of American art, wide-ranging scholar, fluent and graceful teacher, great-hearted mentor, American gentleman and American scholar.” In his years on the UD faculty, Craven received numerous honors, including the Francis Alison Award, the top faculty honor, and the Excellence in Teaching Award.

Stephanie L. Kwolek, a pioneering inventor whose polymer research—at a time when female research scientists were a rarity—served as the basis for the development of the DuPont material Kevlar. Used in protective vests, fire-safe suits and military helmets, Kevlar is credited with saving the lives of some 3,000 police officers and countless soldiers, firefighters and others.

Calvin Edwin Ripken Jr., Hall of Fame shortstop who played 3,001 games—2,632 of them consecutively—for the Baltimore Orioles. Since retiring as an active player, Ripken continues as an ambassador for baseball and, through the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, brings programs to disadvantaged youngsters.

Louise Dowling Roselle, described in her degree citation as a “treasured friend of the state of Delaware [who] served with grace and distinction for more than 17 years as First Lady of the University of Delaware, greeting thousands of students and parents, alumni, faculty and staff and friends to the President’s House and at special events nationwide, making each guest feel welcomed and, indeed, uniquely special.”

David Paul Roselle, president of UD from 1990-2007, who was recognized for his visionary role in transforming the University from a regional public institution to a national leader, as well as for serving as a steward of the campus, talented fundraiser, devoted friend of the arts and a “proud champion” of Blue Hen spirit. “Throughout your career, you have served as a resource, mentor and friend to many colleagues who now hold positions of leadership across the country,” his citation read.

Olympia J. Snowe, U.S. senator from Maine, who in 1978 became the youngest Republican woman and first Greek-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, where she served until being elected to her first Senate term in 1994. Snowe has built a reputation as an effective advocate for her constituents and a leading moderate and bipartisan legislator.