8:49 a.m., May 6, 2009----A large gathering was held in McDowell Hall on Tuesday, April 28, to honor Betty Paulanka, the recently retired dean of the College of Health Sciences, and to acknowledge what Steven Stanhope, the interim dean of the college, referred to as the “Paulanka legacy.”

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Legacy was, in fact, a theme that carried throughout the reception as many guests offered words of thanks to Paulanka for her years of dedication and countless contributions to the college and to University of Delaware.

“Traditions and legacies are difficult to establish, for they are cultivated through the sustained hard work and dedication of inspired individuals,” said Stanhope, who added that Paulanka dedicated invaluable time and energy to ensuring a successful future for the college and its students.

Paulanka's service, leadership, and the many profound transformations she shepherded, all make her as important to UD's future as she is to its past, said President Patrick Harker. He added that Paulanka has “left the University poised for even greater things ahead, and there really is no greater legacy than that.”

In addition to being thanked by prominent members of the UD community, Paulanka's efforts were also acknowledged by the college's visiting committee members, the Delaware Senate, and by Vice President Joe Biden, who sent a personal letter of recognition for the occasion.

The ceremony was also an occasion for the unveiling of a portrait of Paulanka commissioned by UD to capture the very essence of her legacy. The portrait was painted by John Sclavos, a skilled artist who has painted approximately 185 portraits of professional and public persons.

“While a picture captures a moment, the artistry of a fine portrait captures the subject's soul. And we all know, with Dean Paulanka, deep within lies a wonderfully rich heart and soul,” said Stanhope. “Years from now, visitors will glance at this portrait and not know the subject's name or the countless contributions she made. However, those who gaze upon this portrait will forever know the many cherished gifts that they receive from the University of Delaware are all the product of a rich tradition and legacy of excellence. This history is what has brought us to this place on this day and will serve to shape the lives of many who follow.”

“Although we will surely admire the portrait for its fine artistry, I also hope that its admirers will also take a moment to think about why the portrait is here and about the woman in the frame. I hope they will think of the three facets that define Betty Paulanka: her extraordinary leadership, her professionalism, and the remarkable, caring person she is as both a friend and colleague,” added Provost Dan Rich.

After the conclusion of the welcoming remarks and words of thanks and recognition, the purple sheet covering Paulanka's portrait was taken down and the artistry revealed to the anxiously awaiting crowd. She approached the podium for only a brief moment to offer her thanks to the guests and to the speakers, and to declare the evening as one of the most special she has enjoyed.

Article by Blair Lee
Photo by Duane Perry