University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 33, May 29
Lasting contributions
Trustees recognize eight retiring board members
Eight members of the University of Delaware Board of
Trustees, one of them deceased and the others retiring from
the board, were recognized Tuesday for a combined total of
more than 85 years' service.
Two retiring trustees received the special recognition
of being awarded trustee emeritus status: John E. Burris
and Edward G. Jefferson.
As part of a special ceremony at the conclusion of the
board's May 27 meeting, each of the departing board members
was recognized by a citation read by a fellow board member.
Board Chairman Andrew B. Kirkpatrick Jr. said the
ceremony marked a milestone of special significance in the
University's history, with "an unprecedented number of
members retiring at once."
"More importantly," he said, "each of these seven came
to the board with dedication, participated actively and
made a lasting contribution to the University of Delaware,
for which they deserve our utmost thanks."
* * *
Raymond K. Arzinger of Newark, first appointed to the
board in 1984 and reappointed in 1991, served as a member
of the Committee on Grounds and Buildings, the
Trustee/Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees and Awards,
the Committee on Science, Agriculture and Engineering, the
Athletics Visiting Committee and the Audit Visiting
Committee and as an adviser on land-use issues. He was
cited by Robert F. Rider as "a voice of reason, a champion
of fiscal responsibility, an advocate for the University
and a true citizen of the city of Newark."
"For the past 13 years that I've been on the board, it
has been a real privilege for me," Arzinger said, "not only
for having an opportunity to try to make a difference, but
also, personally, the friendships I've been able to make,
both with you, the members of the board, the
administration, faculty, staff."
Maria V. Barriocanal of Seaford, first elected to the
board as the recent graduate trustee in 1994, was
recognized for her faithful attendance at trustee committee
meetings and at UD ceremonies, even though she was
attending graduate school in Ohio. Barriocanal "brought to
board discussions the important perspective of students,
women and UD graduates just entering the job market,"
according to the board's resolution read by Sally H.
Higgins.
"It has been a great honor and a privilege to be on
this board," Barriocanal said. "I was very proud to have
served on the board. I appreciate the respect that all of
you gave me while I have served here."
John E. Burris of Milford, a member of the board since
1975 and secretary-treasurer since 1988, was cited as "an
accomplished businessman, true gentleman and a staunch
advocate of UD," particularly the College of Agricultural
Sciences. He served on the board's Executive; Nominating;
Education and Training; Grounds and Buildings; Science,
Agriculture and Engineering committees; and chaired the
Committee on Agriculture. He remains chair of the
Agriculture Visiting Committee. Burris also chaired the
Trustee Committee to Nominate a President, which brought
David P. Roselle to the University. In 1992, Burris
received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from
UD, in acknowledgment of his devotion of time, energy,
wisdom and talent. His citation was read by Robert A.
Fischer Jr.
"I've enjoyed everything here at the University,"
Burris said. "But, I think [the selection of David and
Louise Roselle] is the thing that we can be most proud of,
and, when I say 'we,' I speak for my wife and I because she
participated and helped in that search. As far as a
contribution to the University of Delaware, if we haven't
done anything else, we've found a great president and a
wonderful wife to assist him." He quoted the late trustee
George Edmonds, who, after meeting the Roselles, said, "We
must get that couple. We will get two for the price of
one!" "Thank you, all," Burris said. "It's been a wonderful
trip."
Paul R. Fine of Wilmington, who became an ex officio
member of the board in 1989 when he was appointed president
of the state School Board, was recognized for his
commitment to his state and his alma mater, for his
"tireless devotion to improving Delaware public schools"
and for laying the groundwork for educational reform in the
state, setting standards that will have long-term effects,
according to the citation read by Howard E. Cosgrove. Fine
was unable to attend the meeting.
Edward G. Jefferson of Greenville, elected to the
board in 1980, has chaired the board's Nominating;
Compensation; Science, Agriculture and Engineering; and
Arts and Humanities committees, and he has served on the
Executive and Finance committees and the Investment, Audit,
Performing Arts and Visual Arts visiting committees. He
chaired the Corporate and Foundation Committee of UD's
150th Anniversary Capital Campaign and was instrumental in
ensuring continued excellence in the chemistry curriculum
as adviser to the Excellence in Chemistry Campaign.
Jefferson was vice chairman of the board for many years. In
1991, he was awarded the honorary Doctor of Science degree
from UD, and the citation described him as a "forward-
thinking corporate leader, valuable asset to the business
community, possessor of a keen and insightful mind, a
hardworking and generous friend to the community, an active
champion of higher education and a respected benefactor and
adviser." He was cited for his service, and "the
unparalleled stature he brought to the University and the
board," according to the resolution read by Kirkpatrick.
Jefferson said he has served on boards or committees
of five other universities and that the University has
places of excellence "where we are entirely competitive
with what goes on in academia in this country or anywhere
else in the world." He said credit should go first to the
students, second, the faculty, and then, the
administration. Looking to the future, Jefferson said, " I
have a strong feeling that people here in the University
today and those that are being taught to provide
intellectual leadership for tomorrow will do well in the
conditions that obtain in the next decades ahead, and will
approach the opportunities and problems with a good blend
of wisdom and energy."
Donald J. Lynch of Selbyville, elected to the board in
1988, served on the trustee committees on Public Affairs
and Advancement and on Science, Agriculture and Engineering
and the Agricultural Visiting Committee; has demonstrated
his commitment to UD's College of Agricultural Sciences;
and has been a supporter of agricultural interests in the
state-as Delaware Secretary of Agriculture and as president
of the Delmarva Poultry Industry, according to the
resolution read by Sherman L. Townsend.
"It's been my pleasure and honor to serve on the
board, and I appreciate the privilege and honor. Thank
you," Lynch said.
Harold C. "Buck" Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, elected
to the board in 1985, chaired the trustee Committee on
Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation and was a
member of the committees on Agriculture, Societal Studies
and Human Resources, Student Life and Athletics and the
Executive Committee, and he continues to chair the
Athletics Visiting Committee of the board. A 1950 graduate
of UD, Thompson was a member of the varsity football team
that was 31-0 in conference play and he was named to the
first team, all-time UD football team and to the Delaware
Sports Hall of Fame. As a result of his leadership, the UD
Athletic Fund has been energized and the UD Hall of Fame is
expected to induct its first class this year. Thompson also
was recognized for advancing the work of all Delaware
coaches in all sports, for his demonstrated commitment to
UD, most especially to the athletic programs and the Bob
Carpenter Sports/Convocation Center. "There is no more
loyal Fightin' Blue Hen supporter," according to the
resolution read by R.R.M. Carpenter III.
Thompson recalled the impact that Carpenter's father,
the late Bob Carpenter, had on his own life, calling him
"one of the greatest men I ever knew." He said Bob
Carpenter, a long-time trustee, was responsible for
bringing him to the University in August of 1941 to play
football.
Thompson spoke of two highlights on the board. The
first came when Kirkpatrick asked him to chair the Athletic
Committee after the death of Mr. Carpenter, the committee's
first and only chairperson for 40 years. "I almost fell off
the chair," Thompson said, "because I always thought he was
just about the greatest there was. He helped more people
get an education and be a success, and he never wanted
anybody to know that he did anything."
Thompson said he also had participated in the last
search committee for a president. "Seven years ago, this
month, [David Roselle] became our president, and, since
then, the greatest renaissance period, I think, that ever
happened on campus has happened to my University. He
certainly should be commended on the fantastic job he has
done since he's been here."
The special ceremony concluded with a standing
ovation.
At the beginning of the meeting, a resolution also was
passed in memory of the late Howard E. Simmons of
Wilmington, who was appointed to the board in 1994 and
served as a member of the Trustee/Faculty Committee on
Honorary Degrees and Awards and as a member of the
Committee on Science, Agriculture and Engineering. "Dr.
Simmons enjoyed extraordinary knowledge and understanding
in the chemical, physical and biological sciences, which
enabled him to help many engaged in teaching and research
on the national scene and in Delaware," the resolution
states.
A steadfast member of the UD Research Foundation,
serving as president from 1986-92, Dr. Simmons was a member
of the steering committee of the Marine Associates of the
College of Marine Studies, was instrumental in the
establishment of the Du Pont Chair of Biochemistry and
Biophysics and was a mentor and adviser to the Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry for more than 20 years.
The trustees expressed a sense of loss over Dr.
Simmons' death and extended sympathy to his family.