4:47 p.m., April 25, 2007--The latest addition to the Paul R. Jones Collection is the bust Hannibal, crafted by the internationally renowned sculptor Tina Allen and presented by benefactor Paul R. Jones as a gift to University of Delaware in honor of President David P. and Louise Roselle.

The bust was presented during a gala celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Paul R. Jones Collection on campus held Thursday, April 19, in the Trabant University Center.

During the event, Jones recounted the beginning of his collection, his first contact with the University and his subsequent decision to make a gift of his art to UD. Jones said his intent was, and continues to be, that the collection be used as a teaching tool, that it promote diversity on campus and that it serve as a bridge between UD and historically black colleges and universities.

He praised UD President David P. Roselle for his vision in accepting the collection, and presented him with the bust.

Roselle said the acquisition of the collection has been among his favorite projects during a 17-year term as president, noting that the art has served as a focal point for student pride in the institution. He added, “The truly exciting thing about the Paul R. Jones Collection is not what has been accomplished, but what will be accomplished as we continue to move forward.”

Jones, in turn, was presented a gift of art created by students from the Thomas A. Edison Charter School in Wilmington. Dr. Cecil and Yvonne Gordon, who befriended Jones early on during his association with UD, presented the work to the collector.

During the evening, Amalia Amaki, curator of the Paul R. Jones Collection and professor of Black American Studies, recognized community members, faculty and staff who have been involved in promoting the collection on campus and in the community.

A posthumous award was presented in honor of the late Mary Hempel, who served many years as director of public relations at UD and who championed the collection both on campus and nationally. The award was accepted by John Brennan, director of public relations, and her sister, Barbara Hempel.

Other honors for support of the collection went to UD faculty and staff, including Dean Thomas Apple of the College of Arts and Sciences, who accepted on behalf of the Department of Art Conservation; Richard J. Agnello, associate professor of economics; Ellen Louise Baer, instructor in the University Writing Center; Anne Bowler, associate professor of sociology; Martha Carothers, professor of art; Thomas DiLorenzo, professor and chairperson of the Department of Psychology; Norma Gaines-Hanks, assistant professor of individual and family studies; Carole Marks, professor of sociology; Kasandra Moye, director of the Center for Black Culture; and Brennan and Neil Thomas, senior associate director of public relations. Also, Amaki was honored by Jones.

Also cited were several community members, including the Gordons, Patrika Wellington of the Thomas A. Edison Charter School and H. Raye Jones Avery.

Photos by Duane Perry