University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 21, Feb. 27, 1997

                Thomas LaPenta is asst. vp of
                employee and labor relations

     Thomas LaPenta, director of labor relations since 1986,
was recently appointed assistant vice president for labor
and employee relations.
     In his new role, he assumes additional duties in
employee services overseeing the offices of classification
and compensation, employment, benefits, training and
faculty/staff assistance.
      "This appointment recognizes Tom's continuing
contributions in maintaining sound labor relations at the
University, as well as his considerable expertise in all
facets of employee relations," Maxine Colm, vice president
for administration, said.
     A native of Wilmington, LaPenta joined the University
in 1981 to handle labor relations. He was appointed director
in 1986 with responsibilities for the administration and
negotiation of AFSCME union contracts, personnel policy
administration, and workers and unemployment compensation
administration. Additionally, he was responsible for
compliance with labor and employment laws.
     "Labor relations is an exciting field," LaPenta said.
"It's constantly changing. It's a challenge to keep up with
the tremendous growth in services and support here at the
University."
     LaPenta earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from
UD in 1973 and his law degree from the Dickinson School of
Law in 1977.
     A member of the Delaware Bar, he joined the University
after serving as a deputy attorney general from 1977-81.
Working in the Civil Division of the state Department of
Justice, he was responsible for cases involving child abuse
and neglect, and he represented several state agencies,
commissions and boards, including the Department of Labor,
the State Human Rights Commission, Delaware State College
and Delaware Technical and Community College.
     Active in the community, LaPenta has served as
chairperson of the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries
and served on the boards of directors of the Latin American
Community Center, the Episcopal Church Home and Ingleside
Homes.
     He has coached recreation baseball, soccer and
basketball for several years and holds a black belt in Tae
Kwon Do. LaPenta and his wife, Kitty, have two sons and are
licensed foster care parents.
                                                -Beth Thomas