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Annual lecture to honor Edward G. Jefferson
2:36 p.m., May 16, 2006--The University of Delaware has established the Edward G. Jefferson Lecture, an annual event that will bring nationally and internationally recognized leaders from academia to Delaware to discuss issues of global importance in science, education and policy, UD President David P. Roselle announced on Friday, May 12. Events surrounding the lecture, which is named for the late Edward G. Jefferson, former chairman and chief executive officer of the DuPont Co., trustee emeritus and UD benefactor, also will include opportunities for interactions with local leadership in the academic, public and private sectors. Speaking at a luncheon in honor of the DuPont Co. at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI), Roselle expressed gratitude for the support that the University has received from friends at the company. “It was their vision, generosity and support that caused the Delaware Biotechnology Institute to come into being, and they are who we celebrate today,” he said. Roselle noted that DuPont was a critical financial partner in the start-up phase of DBI, which was conceived in 1999 through University discussions with DuPont and the governor's office to be a catalyzing force in life science research in Delaware. DuPont contributed $2.5 million over five years with no strings attached. “As DBI grew, DuPont provided access to its laboratory facilities, helped with the recruitment of talented new faculty and worked with us to create new educational partnerships, such as a new plant biology doctoral program that provides students the opportunity to carry out research at DuPont as part of their academic program,” Roselle said. “It's also important to note that our partnership with DuPont provided credibility for this new enterprise, and that has been a central ingredient of the success that this venture enjoys.” During the luncheon, Roselle presented a glass plaque to DuPont CEO Chad Holliday in recognition of the “extraordinary” support from the company, which helped build and develop DBI to a thriving institute that is quickly outgrowing the 72,000-square-foot research center. Roselle paid tribute to Jefferson, whose widow, Wunnie, and son, Andy, attended the luncheon. “Ed meant a great deal to the University of Delaware, to me, personally, as a friend, and to the institution, as a tireless supporter,” Roselle said. “Ed's connection to the University did not end with his board service. He continued to offer his service, including playing a valuable leadership role in our Campaign for Delaware. In 2000, he and his wife, Wunnie, donated a new, state-of-the-art pipe organ to the University for use in the renovated Bayard Sharp Hall. That gift was the perfect example of their generous spirit and most fitting expression for their love of music.” Jefferson was born in London, England, and served in the British Royal Artillery in World War II, participating in the Normandy invasion in 1944. He graduated from King's College, University of London, with first-class honors in chemistry, where he also earned a doctoral degree. Jefferson joined DuPont in 1951 at the Belle Works near Charleston, W.Va., and nine years later transferred to Wilmington where he held a number of management and executive positions in research and development. In 1973, he was appointed a director, senior vice president and member of the company's Executive Committee, and in 1978 he was given responsibility for the coordination and direction of all research and development activities for the company. Jefferson was named president and chief operating officer on Jan. 1, 1980, and became chairman and chief executive officer on May 1, 1981. He retired from DuPont as chairman and chief executive officer on May 5, 1986. Article by Martin Mbugua |
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