5:38 p.m., May 14, 2009----Dan Rich's tenure as University provost was saluted by colleagues present and past and with special honors, including a Medal of Distinction and an endowed chair, at a reception held May 12 in Clayton Hall.

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Rich announced March 9 that he plans to resign as provost, effective June 30, and return to the faculty as University Professor of Public Policy. A member of UD's faculty since 1970, he has served as provost since 2001.

With hundreds of Rich's colleagues and friends filling the room, President Patrick Harker opened the event by calling him "the University's James Brown - he's the hardest working man in academia." Harker said that Rich is not only "ever-present, ever-accessible, ever-eager to pitch in and save the day," but that since he "knows every single person in Delaware, with one phone call he can get a project off the ground and out of paralysis. And because Dan is liked by every single person in Delaware, those on the other end of his call are only too happy to help."

Harker concluded by unveiling a portrait of Rich by Stephen Tanis, professor emeritus of art at UD.

Howard Cosgrove, chairman of UD's Board of Trustees, presented Rich with the University's Medal of Distinction, which honors individuals who have made humanitarian, cultural, intellectual or scientific contributions to society; have achieved noteworthy success in their professions; or have given significant service to the University, the state and the region.

Reading the trustee resolution honoring Rich, Cosgrove cited his achievements as the University's chief academic officer and said, "Dan Rich has provided wise counsel to the University Board of Trustees, to the administration and to his colleagues." The full citation is available in this PDF.

President Emeritus David Roselle spoke of Rich's "many contributions to the University of Delaware, to the state, to his profession and to his colleagues throughout the world" noting that he has "done many things well, and he has done them for a long time." Roselle also thanked Rich's wife, Nancy, for her contributions to the University community.

Skip Loessner, associate professor emeritus of urban affairs and Rich's long-time friend and colleague, spoke in his capacity as a member of the Unidel Foundation. Noting that Rich is "respected far and wide for his leadership, commitment and dedication to the University," Loessner announced that the Unidel Foundation has made a gift of $3 million to endow a chaired professorship in his honor - the Dan Rich Chair of Energy.

Tom Apple, currently dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Rich's successor as provost, spoke of Rich's role as an "incredible mentor and friend." Speaking on behalf of all the college deans, he said, " We have had an incredible opportunity to serve under one of the most hard-working, dedicated and brilliant men that I've ever known." He presented Rich with a digital picture frame that included a selection of photographs chronicling his tenure as provost. The images were projected on a large screen throughout the reception.

In closing remarks, Rich said, "It has been an absolute privilege to serve as provost of the University of Delaware," and he thanked Roselle and Harker for the opportunity and "for their friendship and support." Excited about returning to the faculty and re-engaging with colleagues and students, he said, "I truly believe the best years of the University lie ahead. I am so proud to be a part of the University of Delaware, and I thank you very much."

Photos by Duane Perry