President makes the case for state capital support

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President David Roselle meets with members of the General Assembly's Capital Bond Committee May 8 in Dover.

University of Delaware President David P. Roselle and senior members of administration, met with the Capital Bond Committee of the Delaware General Assembly May 8 in Dover to request an additional $3.5 million over the governor's $5.5 million recommendation for the next fiscal year.

While acknowledging the state's current fiscal situation and anticipated revenue shortfall, the president told the committee that the additional funding is needed to allow the University to continue its systematic restoration and upgrading of campus buildings and infrastructure.

Roselle explained the importance of this program by mentioning the Middle States evaluation that commended the depth and breath of the UD's academic programs, student services and strong institutional management.

"That such an assessment could be made by an institutional accrediting team is the direct result of a systematic program of facilities planning that has been in place at the University over the past decade," Roselle said.

Citing the crucial role of state support in such a comprehensive effort, Roselle said that the University's five-to-one return on state funding makes capital appropriations to UD a wise investment policy.

"It is safe to say that there is no other organization in the state of Delaware that has leveraged value as has the University of Delaware," Roselle said. "It is also safe to say that few, if any, state-assisted institutions in our nation have matched state support by such a large margin." ?

UD's request for the next fiscal year includes $5 million out of a total of $22.5 million from that state toward the $26 million renewal and renovation of Wolf Hall. The project will allow the historically significant structure to comply with current codes and building standards and will provide a more efficient facility for the Department of Biological Sciences.

The price tag covers installation of the latest in research and scientific equipment in lab settings, reflecting the changing requirements of research that have occurred since the building was constructed in 1916.

Also included in the UD's request is $4 million out of a total of $7.5 million in state funding for the $23.7 million expansion of Du Pont Hall. UD will contribute $16.2 million for the expansion that will accommodate teaching and research operations for faculty, students and staff in the departments of Materials Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering, as well as and the administrative offices of the dean of the College of Engineering.

Completion of the Wolf Hall and Du Pont Hall renovations will signal the fulfillment of the vision of Pierre Samuel du Pont who, in 1915, donated the land, which runs south of Main Street to Memorial Hall, Roselle said.

Items not funded in the governor's recommended budget include:

* $1 million in equipment funds for the biotechnology, genetics and molecular biology programs at UD, with funding to be matched at least on a one-to-one basis by the University;

* $300,000 to stabilize the shoreline from further erosion at the University's facilities on the Lewes campus; and

* $500,000 to upgrade the mechanical system at the Otis Smith laboratory on the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, including replacement of the current HVAC system with a more energy-efficient system.

Sen. David B. McBride asked Roselle to specify the University's priorities in seeking additional funds.

"I am sure that the additional funding requests are for a good purpose," McBride said. "I just want to be clear that the first two items form the focus of your request."

While confirming that UD's main concern was to seek restoration of funds for the Wolf Hall and Du Pont Hall renovations, Roselle said all the items were important in helping to support interdisciplinary initiatives that will continue to bear fruit and spark interest in the state's economic community.

"The requested funding for research equipment will bring these initiatives to their full potential," Roselle said. "The funding will also be a significant resource in assisting the University in attracting new faculty."

-Jerry Rhodes

Photo by Eric Crossan