UpDate - Vol. 11, No. 29, Page 5
April 30, 1992
3 faculty memorialized at meeting

     Three memorial tributes were delivered at Monday's semiannual
general faculty meeting to honor Augustus Able, Wanda J. Mialkowski
and Robert Di Pietro.
     Charles H. Bohner, professor of English, presented remarks in
honor of Augustus Henry Able III, professor emeritus of English, who
died Jan. 6, at age 91.
     Dr. Able received his doctorate in English literature from the
University of Pennsylvania in 1933. He began working at the University
in 1937 as an instructor of English, was named full professor in 1951
and retired in 1962.
     Bohner noted that when Dr. Able taught at the University every
professor taught four courses each semester, because the "Delaware of
his day was essentially an institution for teaching undergraduates."
     Dr. Able's book on Thomas Love Peacock, published more than 50
years ago, remains an important contribution to scholarship, he said.
Able is remembered for his enthusiasm and candor.
     Evelyn R. Hayes, associate professor of nursing, read a eulogy
for Wanda J. Mialkowski, assistant professor of nursing who died Nov.
22, at age 40.
     In addition to her role as a professor, Ms. Mialkowski was a
psychiatric nurse at the Rockford Center, an army nurse and officer, a
single parent of a 6-year-old son and president of Sigma Theta Tau,
the nursing honor society.
     Hayes emphasized Ms. Mialkowski's positive outlook on life and
her ability to keep commitments in perspective.
     Louis A. Arena, associate professor of linguistics, delivered a
tribute in honor of  Dr. Robert J. Di Pietro, professor of
linguistics. He died Dec. 20, at age 59.
     Dr. Di Pietro was internationally known for his teaching methods,
authored several books and articles on linguistics and lectured
throughout the world. He began working at the University in 1978, as
chairperson of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
That same year, he was knighted by the Italian government for his
contributions to the field of Italian linguistics, culture and
language teaching in the world.
     He was senior professor in the University's linguistics
department, and is remembered as "an honest scholar and very generous
person," Arena said.
     Also at the meeting, President David P. Roselle emphasized the
need for national leaders to make education a first priority. He
listed various projects the administration is investigating, including
a new student center and connecting cable television and computing
networks to all residence halls and buildings.
     He also praised the University's faculty and staff for their
efforts and role in receiving a positive report from the Middle States
accreditation team.
     -Karyn McCormack