UD confers honorary degree on NSF director

3:55 p.m., Oct. 31, 2003--Rita Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation, was awarded an honorary doctor of science degree for her trailblazing efforts in science and education on Sunday, Oct. 26, in Mitchell Hall, at the opening of a special daylong science and technology program for seventh and eighth graders.

Rita Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation: “Use your gift. And when you have the opportunity, share it with others and you will live a gratifying life.”

On campus to help launch UD’s first Science and Technology Series for middle-schoolers enrolled in the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth program, Colwell was introduced by UD President David P. Roselle, who presented her with the honorary degree

“Rita Colwell, you have used your gift, your talent and your passion to further the cause of scientific discovery, thereby significantly contributing to the body of knowledge for the world to share,” Roselle said.

“As director of the National Science Foundation—the nation’s foremost funding agency in the areas of science, mathematics, engineering and technology—you have promoted K-12 science and mathematics education as well as graduate science, engineering education and increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering. And, you have empowered thousands of scientists by increasing cross-disciplinary understanding.”

Colwell, who oversees an annual budget of more than $5 billion, is partially responsible for awarding more than 20,000 science-related grants in 2002. Her honorary degree from the University of Delaware—the highest honor bestowed by the University—was presented to her for her contributions in the fields of both science and education.

Formerly a research scientist and professor of microbiology and biotechnology at the University of Maryland, Colwell also has authored and co-authored 16 books and more than 600 scientific publications.

The first honorary degree was awarded by the University of Delaware in 1841. Artist Andrew Wyeth, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former President George Bush are among recent degree recipients.

Ever true to her mission, Colwell, after accepting her degree, urged her audience to share their gifts for the betterment of society.

“You will learn in the course of your visit here today that research and discovery are very real,” she said. “That is, teachers, researchers and particularly students not much older than you are working in laboratories and classrooms at the cutting edge of detection and discovery. I hope that you will ask questions—many of them in your time here.

“You have been given a gift, a talent, a passion for science. Use your gift. And when you have the opportunity, share it with others and you will live a gratifying life.”

A link to the complete text of Colwell’s speech will be added to this page soon.

Article by Becca Hutchinson
Photo by Duane Perry

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