Vol. 18, No. 35June 24, 1999

Former dean honored for environmental efforts

Donald Crossan (left) receives the Liberty Bell Award from
Michael Parkowski of the Delaware Bar Association.

Donald Crossan, professor emeritus of plant and soil sciences and former dean of agriculture from 1977-1991, has received the Liberty Bell Award from the Delaware State Bar Association. This is the organization's highest honor for community service, and Crossan was recognized for his longtime dedication to preserving Delaware's environment, farmland and open space.

Crossan has chaired the Delaware Aglands Preservation Foundation since 1991. Four Delaware governors have appointed him to chair the Coastal Zone Industrial Control Board for more than 18 years. He also serves on the Open Space, Parks and Recreation and Farmland Preservation Coalition for the state of Delaware.

A 1950 graduate of the University, Crossan was instrumental in increasing enrollment and the number of women faculty in the college while serving as dean. He also established the Agricultural Scholars Program to attract high quality students, and during his tenure, the college's classroom and laboratory space more than doubled with the completion of Worrilow Hall and Fischer Greenhouse Laboratory.