Governor's Heritage Award
Photo courtesy of Delaware Public Archives December 01, 2016
UD’s Edward Freel honored for service to Delaware
Edward J. Freel, a policy scientist with the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration and a former Delaware secretary of state, has received the 2016 Governor’s Heritage Award.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell presented the award in a Nov. 29 ceremony at the Delaware Public Archives with a large crowd of family, friends and colleagues in attendance.
The governor spoke of Freel’s commitment to the First State through his major role in the construction of the current Archives facility, which opened in 2001, and his establishment of The Democracy Project at the University. The Democracy Project promotes civic engagement among young people and a better understanding of citizen responsibilities in a democratic society.
“Ed has devoted his life to making our state a better place, whether as a public official working on policies that improve the lives of Delawareans or as a teacher transferring his passion for service to countless students,” Markell said. “No one is prouder of Delaware’s heritage than Ed, and I’m thrilled that we have this opportunity to honor his incredible work to preserve our past while helping build an ever-brighter future.”
Established in 2003 by the Office of the Secretary of State, the Governor’s Heritage Award is presented to individuals who have made a distinguished contribution to the recognition, preservation and celebration of Delaware’s heritage.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the Governor’s Heritage Award,” Freel said.
“Beyond any individual recipient, what is significant about this award is the fact that the governor and the state pause to reflect on the importance of our heritage and the essential principles of democracy and civic engagement that are woven into Delaware’s history.”
Freel served as Delaware’s secretary of state from 1994-2001, when he joined UD. Previously, he worked for now-U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper during Carper’s years as Delaware’s congressman and then governor.
Freel earned master’s degrees at UD in political science and in college counseling.
At the University, in addition to his position as a policy scientist, he is an instructor in the School of Public Policy and Administration and is manager of The Democracy Project.
Each year, the project sponsors the Institute for Teachers, which aims to improve the teaching of civics in Delaware schools. Through the institute, educators have the opportunity to meet with public figures and develop new and innovative lesson plans for the classroom. Over the past 18 years, more than 200 teachers have participated in the program.
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