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Roselles receive Josiah Marvel Cup Award
12:21 p.m., Jan. 9, 2007--University of Delaware President David P. Roselle and Louise Roselle were named joint recipients of the prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup Award for community service during the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's 170th annual dinner, held Monday, Jan. 8, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The announcement was met with a standing ovation. The Josiah Marvel Cup 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 was first presented in 1951, and 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.”
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 the University under his administration the last 16 years is because of the strength of the faculty and staff and the support of alumni and friends of the institution. The identity of the Marvel Cup winner is kept secret until the presentation is made. In announcing this year's award recipients, Carper and Castle took turns listing various accomplishments that offered only hints as to the awardees' identities. As the clues mounted, it became clear who the recipients were. For example, Castle said, "He is a born problem-solver, with the ability to quickly analyze a situation and determine the best path forward." To which Carper responded, "With a welcoming smile and sparkling eyes, she lights up a room and makes everyone feel instantly at ease." Later clues were more specific, with Castle saying, "He is comfortable speaking in front of large groups, frequently 20,000 or more," and Carper adding, "She is everyone's ideal hostess and has opened her home to thousands of guests-and that's just in the last year." For the penultimate clues, Castle said, "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," and Carper said, "Under their leadership, the University of Delaware has been transformed. Today it is highly regarded for its educational quality, cutting edge research, extensive service throughout the First State, sound management, attention to the undergraduate experience and the quality of life of its students, as well as for having one of the most attractive campuses in the universe."
Since taking office as UD president on May 1, 1990, Roselle has overseen a sustained and continuing transformation of the University, which is now recognized as one of the nation's leading institutions of higher education, public or private. The improvements have been across the board, including facilities, faculty, students and research capabilities. During the Roselles' term, UD has produced four Rhodes Scholars and seen freshman admission applications rise from about 13,000 in 1990 to more than 21,000 in 2006. The University's first comprehensive capital campaign, The Campaign for Delaware, raised more than $431 million, and the endowment has risen from $381.4 million in July 1990 to more than $1.29 billion in October. 2006. More than 1,000 persons attended the State Chamber dinner, which also included keynote remarks by Graham B. Spanier, president of Penn State University. Photos by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus, courtesy of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
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