 | |
| Vol. 17, No. 10 | Nov. 6, 1997 |
| |
| Vol. 17, No. 10 | Nov. 6, 1997 |
The receiving line extended down the hall and out the doors of the Trabant University Center Nov. 2 as more than 250 friends, family, faculty, former students and members of the University community gathered for the dedication of a new building named in honor of John A. Munroe, AS '36, MA '41, H. Rodney Sharp Professor Emeritus of History.
The well-known scholar, teacher, alumnus, authority on Delaware history and nationally recognized historian was honored by his alma mater with the naming of the recently completed Delaware Avenue complex that houses the departments of History and Anthropology.
President David P. Roselle welcomed the audience that nearly filled the Multipurpose Room in the Trabant University Center. He recognized the guest of honor, his wife, Dorothy, their children- Stephen Munroe of Shorewood, Ill.; Carol Munroe of Cambridge, Mass.; and Michael Munroe of Chesterfield, Va.-and other relatives and classmates. Representatives of the architect, Buck Simpers and Associates, also were present.
The president praised the "adaptive reuse" of the three duplex buildings on Delaware Avenue that were renovated for the project and connected to the adjacent new construction, noting that the University is particularly proud of the its historic preservation efforts and the appearance of Delaware Avenue.
Saying that he was pleased that the building is named after a member of the University faculty, Roselle added that the naming of buildings is a special occasion. He mentioned other structures that bear the names of historical figures and scholars associated with the University's history, such as Alison, Wolf, Colburn, Drake, Squire, Kirkbride, Hartshorn, Robinson, Rees and Smith.
Turning to the guest of honor, the president said the name of John Munroe "will be joined with some of those whom you knew from your early teaching days, and I would imagine those for whom you had and still have a great deal of admiration and respect. We hope you are as honored as we at the University are in paying tribute to you among your colleagues and placing your name in this distinguished circle of educators and friends."
Carol Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History, spoke of Munroe's distinguished career and long association with the University- from his arrival as a freshman in 1932, through his tenure as chairperson of the department, from 1952-1969, and his retirement in 1982.
"When the decision was made to create this beautiful new home for the history department and the anthropology department," she said, "the name of John Munroe arose so naturally that no one could have imagined any other. John is, and has long been, much more than just the 'dean of Delaware historians,' as Bill Frank used to say. He has been caring teacher, wise administrator, vivid storyteller, delightful friend and guardian of this University's sense of its own history."
Hoffecker also noted Munroe's well-known and equally respected publications and books, many of which focus on the history of the First State and also the University.
"John Munroe has been a model for us all," she said, "but especially for those of us who teach at the University, whatever our subject. He has been our teacher, and what he has taught in all its dimensions has built the University more than bricks and mortar can ever do. But it's nice, too, to have this new, beautiful and comfortable building.
"We may hope that all who use this new facility will cultivate the characteristics that made its namesake a legend throughout the First State and beyond."
Provost Mel Schiavelli pointed out that the three renovated buildings on Delaware Avenue were built in 1911 and used as faculty housing. Earlier, Hoffecker had noted that the duplexes were constructed just three years before Munroe's birth on March 15, 1914.
When Schiavelli asked Munroe's former students in the audience to be recognized, several dozen attendees stood and received a round of applause. Schiavelli also recognized Munroe's retired faculty colleagues, current history and anthropology faculty members, department chairs David Pong and Juan Villamarin and Margaret Andersen, interim dean of arts and science.
"For those of us who are present today," Schiavelli said, "and for the generations to follow, John, we thank you and extend to you our sincere best wishes and deep appreciation for all you have done."
Munroe thanked the speakers and the members of the audience. He also expressed his special appreciation to G. Burton Pearson Jr., UD trustee.
In 1936, Munroe explained, Pearson was a member of the Newark Board of Education that approved the then 21-year-old Munroe's appointment to an emergency vacancy on the faculty of Newark High School.
Munroe reviewed some of the highlights of his career at UD and reflected on the campus when he was a student and member of the faculty. He experienced the separate Men's and Women's colleges and their eventual merger during and after World War II. He spoke of faculty and presidents he knew, some of whom also have been honored with named buildings. He said he particularly was indebted to chemist Allan Colburn, who introduced Munroe to his wife, Dorothy.
Munroe mentioned changes and progress and long and satisfying relationships with those at his alma mater, in the community and beyond.
"The 65 years since I entered Delaware College have slipped by easily and quickly," he said. "I came from a happy home where my parents supported my desire to become a scholar and a teacher. In Newark, students and colleagues helped me lead the sort of life I hoped for. And here, too, I met my wife, who made possible the satisfaction I found in my career and, bolstered by the support and understanding of our children, the very happy memories I enjoy.
"I am deeply grateful to the trustees of the University, to its present administrators and to my colleagues for the honor they have paid me."
The formal dedication of John A. Munroe Hall was conducted by Pearson, who referred to Munroe as Delaware's foremost historian and lauded the scholar for his integrity, accuracy, technical research and service at the University of Delaware.
He said the University is proud to honor Munroe as "a Delaware native son, alumnus, professor, mentor, historian and friend."
After the ribbon cutting, a reception was held and tours were conducted in John A. Munroe Hall.
-Ed Okonowicz
Photos by Jack Buxbaum
As John A. Munroe (second from right) prepares to cut the ribbon, signifying the dedication of the new University building named in his honor, others featured at the ceremony look on, including (from left) Provost Mel Schiavelli; Carol Hoffecker, Richards Professor of History; G. Burton Pearson Jr., UD trustee; Dorothy Munroe; and President David P. Roselle.
John A. Munroe Hall, located near the intersection of Orchard Road and Delaware Avenue, is a 27,000-square-foot building complex that houses the departments of History and Anthropology.According to David Hollowell, executive vice president, the completed structures-combining old Newark architecture and new construction-were renovated and designed to complement the historic area appearance along East Delaware Avenue.
John A. Munroe Hall includes three older brick houses, 46-56 West Delaware Avenue, and a new building that was constructed on a vacant area between the existing buildings and the Main Street parking garage.
The renovation of the three existing houses is a continuation of the University's effort to preserve the historic appearance of the area that begins at the corner of Delaware and South College avenues. This was suggested by Robert Venturi, the Trabant University Center architect, as part of a unified plan to maintain the residential appearance of the area.
The $3.2 million project started in the fall of 1996 and was completed in time to move faculty into the offices for the beginning of the 1997 academic year.
The building houses history and anthropology faculty and graduate student offices and a seminar room. Anthropology laboratory space is located on the first floor and in the basement.
