UpDate - Vol. 13, No. 1, Page 1
September 2, 1993
Ceremonies on the Mall mark official start of academic year

     The sun was shining Tuesday as members of the class of l997 were
officially welcomed to the University during New Student Convocation.
     At 11 a.m., University President David P. Roselle and other
administrators processed across the Mall from the steps of Hullihen to
Memorial Hall as the Delaware Brass played ceremonial music.
     Roselle delivered the official welcome to faculty, alumni, guests and 
new students.
     James R. Soles, the University's first Distinguished Alumni Professor
and chairperson of the Department of Political Science and International
Relations, delivered this year's official address. (His remarks are
reprinted on page 9.)
     Soles was introduced by Bruce Walker, associate provost of admissions
and financial aid, who paid tribute to Soles' "incredible connections and
commitment to students" and presented him with a plaque honoring his
"extradinorary dedication, commitment and many years of service" to new
students at the University. The special award was prompted, Walker said, by
Soles' l0 years of volunteer service to new student orientation programs
held each summer.
     In introducing Soles, Walker cited his work for the Bicentennial
celebrations of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence,
his scholarly portrayals of James Madison, his statewide work on the
Federalist Papers project and his co-production of a 39-episode television
series on government and society in Delaware for WACU-TV.
     Walker also noted that Soles is a two-time winner of the University's
Excellence-in-Teaching Award, winner of the Excellence-in-Advising Award,
and winner of the Liberty Bell Award presented by the Delaware Bar
Association and the DelTufo Award for distinguished service to the
humanities. Walker said Soles is currently working on a book entitled The
Constitution of Delaware.
     Also honored during Convocation was this year's winner of the Francis
Alison Award, Stanley I. Sandler, Henry Belin du Pont Professor of Chemical
Engineering. (Please see related story on page 3.)
     Bonnie K. Scott, professor of English and president of the Faculty
Senate, read the citation honoring Sandler, calling the award "the
University's highest tribute to faculty achievement."
     Scott called Sandler a "committed and innovative educator," citing his
key role in the implementation of computer-based instruction at the
University and his interest in integrating new and emerging technologies
into the crowded curriculum. She called him an "international figure in
chemical engineering education with numerous visiting lectureships and
awards to his credit."
     In his acceptance speech, Sandler acknowledged the support he has
received during his 26-year career at the University. He thanked his
family, his faculty colleagues, his graduate students and postdoctoral
research associates and the predecessors of the Class of 1997-his former
undergraduate students.
     "These undergraduate students have contributed greatly to me receiving
this award," he said. "There have been a number of times when a student in
one of my classes would ask, 'But why is that so?' and it would become
clear that I really didn't understand something as well as I thought I did.
The result would be additional study or a new research project.
     "The faculty at the University of Delaware really do enjoy being
challenged by and working with intellectually curious students. So, during
your stay here," Sandler told the incoming students, "please, never be
afraid to ask, 'But why is that so?'
     "The very active undergraduate research program we have here at the
University and our size makes it possible for you to know your professors
and to work with them in research. I hope you will take advantage of this
opportunity because it can be one of the most intense and creative learning
experiences of your college career."
     Sandler concluded his remarks by saying, "When I arrived on the
University of Delaware campus, I had feelings that some of you may have
today. I was unsure of my future, whether I would be successful, whether I
would like it here and how long I would stay. I have now been here 26
years, and I still haven't received a degree. Please do not follow my
example in this regard. Thank you, good bye and good luck."
     Also honored during Convocation was Littleton Mitchell, who has served
as president of the Delaware State Conference of Branches of the NAACP
since l961.
     Mitchell was presented the University's Medal of Merit in recognition
of his contributions to human progress primarily through sustained service
to others in the community, state and region.
     In presenting the medal, President Roselle said, "Littleton P.
Mitchell has championed the cause of civil and human rights for minorities
in the state of Delaware for more than 30 years....
     "A lifelong advocate for desegregation in the state, Mr. Mitchell
promoted the elimination of migrant labor camps in Delaware. For his
efforts, he has received the Region II NAACP Gloster B. Currant Medal of
Achievement Award, as well as the Wilmington Branch Distinguished Service
Award, the West Chester University Distinguished Achievement Award, the
Mayor's Community Service Award, the Delaware State Education Association
Award and was named Outstanding Black Delawarean by Delaware State
College."
     Presenting the medal on behalf of the University's Board of Trustees,
President Roselle cited Mitchell's "continuing commitment to improve the
quality of life for the citizens of the state of Delaware and the region."
     Born in Milford, Mitchell graduated from West Chester University and
worked as a teacher/counselor for socially and emotionally disturbed
children. He has served as president and vice president of Region II of the
NAACP (Maine to Delaware). His wife, Jane, received the University's Medal
of Merit in l980.
     In accepting his award, Mitchell paid tribute to God, his family,
friends and former teachers for shaping his life and even mentioned the
truck drivers who used to picked him up each day as he hitchhiked to West
Chester from Milford. He recalled a time in the early l960s when he, along
with several national political leaders, was banned from speaking on
campus.
     "To anyone who thinks the University does not change, I ask you to
listen. In the early l960s, when (I was) sometimes referred to as a radical
hothead, at times I was invited to speak to classes here at the University.
(A close friend called to say,) 'I have bad news; the University has
decided that you are to be prohibited from speaking to any classes here on
this campus. The good news is that they have also done the same thing for
Sen. Hatfield, Sen. Kennedy and William F. Buckley Jr. Mitchell, you're in
excellent company.'"
     Mitchell said it was especially an honor to be accorded the Medal of
Merit because he could "now join that one person I admire and is my role
model-Jane."
     Also participating in the Convocation ceremony was Russell W. Willey,
a member of the class of l947 and retired vice president and controller of
the Beneficial Corp., who presented a class banner to Julie A. Fine, a
representative of the class of l997. Fine was valedictorian of her Glasgow
High School graduating class and has been admitted to the Honors Program
with a major in entomology.
     John E. Burke, president of the Delaware Undergraduate Student
Congress, welcomed the new students and urged them to get involved in
student activities.
                                        -Beth Thomas