Roselles receive a marvelous award

President David P. Roselle and his wife, Louise, were named joint recipients of the prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup Award for community service, presented during the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 170th annual dinner in January,

The award, the State Chamber’s highest prize, honors Delawareans who have made outstanding contributions to the state, community and society. Named in honor of the State Chamber’s first president, the award has been presented annually since 1951. The Roselles are just the third couple to be recognized, joining 1995 recipients Marvin and Muriel Gilman and 2000 recipients Charles M. and Julie P. Cawley.

U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.) and U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.) presented the award to the clearly surprised Roselles, who joined the University in 1990 and are now in their final year as UD’s first couple.

“This puts a lie to the often said theory that there are no secrets in Delaware,” David Roselle said in accepting the honor. “It has been a great privilege to serve the University of Delaware. Louise and I are extremely honored.”

“Thank you for this magnificent honor,” Louise Roselle said. “I’m overwhelmed. We’ve loved living in Delaware, and we’ve loved being part of the University.”

Roselle, who will step down as president in June to be succeeded by Patrick T. Harker, currently dean of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, said the success that has been enjoyed by UD under his administration is due to the strength of the faculty and staff and the support of alumni and friends of the institution.

“Together, they have created an atmosphere of encouragement, excitement, commitment and conviction that has helped make the University of Delaware one of the top universities in the nation,” Castle said of the Roselles at the award presentation.

Since taking office on May 1, 1990, Roselle has overseen a sustained and continuing transformation of the University, with across-the-board improvements, including facilities, faculty, students and research capabilities.

During the Roselles’ term, UD has produced four Rhodes Scholars, has seen freshman admission applications rise from about 13,000 in 1990 to more than 23,000 in 2007 and has had its endowment grow from $381.4 million in 1990 to more than $1.29 billion in 2006.