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In Memoriam
William V. Roth Jr.
 

Dec. 15, 2003--William V. Roth Jr., 82, who represented Delaware for five consecutive terms in the U.S. Senate, died Dec. 13.

A public memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, in Clayton Hall on UD’s Laird Campus.

At UD’s Winter Commencement last January, Sen. Roth was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Howard E. Cosgrove, chairman of UD’s Board of Trustees, read a citation that said, in part, “William Roth, you have served your state and nation with an inspiring sense of duty and honor.… You have upheld the public trust and advanced the common good of our global community—people both known and unknown to you—with a legacy of commitment and service. It has been said that there is a loftier ambition than to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift humankind higher. This you have done, and for this, we salute you.”

In accepting the award, he said, “You have given me a great honor… and it has a special meaning coming from this outstanding university.”

Speaking directly to the new graduates, “You represent the future of America. I can tell you—having had many Delaware students work in my office when I was a U.S. senator—that I am entirely confident in the future of our great country.”