[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 33 (Monday, March 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF DR. WILLIAM B. DeLAUDER'S RETIREMENT

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Dr. 
William B. DeLauder upon his retirement from Delaware State University. 
He has served as president of the university for more than 16 years. 
His leadership over that span of time has lifted this small, 
historically black land grant college of the 21st century and won him 
the respect of faculty and students alike, along with the gratitude of 
our entire State. He has been, and remains, a trusted friend and 
advisor to me both in my previous role as Governor of Delaware and now 
as our State's junior United States Senator.
  One of Dr. DeLauder's most noteworthy achievements has been the 
transition of Delaware State College to Delaware State University. I 
had the privilege of formalizing this transition by signing into law 
the official name change that signified this accomplishment when I was 
Governor in 1993 to more accurately reflect the depth and quality of 
the University's academic offerings. The changes have been profound.
  Under President DeLauder the university has undergone a remarkable 
transformation in academics, student life, fund raising, and in 
appearance, Alumni returning to visit their alma mater today after an 
absence of many years are amazed at the appearance of its campus. A 
beautiful pedestrian campus has replaced the old network of streets 
that for years divided the old campus into an unattractive series of 
squares and rectangles. An array of new buildings have been constructed 
including a modern library, a cutting-edge science center, a home for 
the School of Management, and a new administrative building. On-campus 
housing capacity for students has roughly doubled, too. With all of 
that completed, Dr. DeLauder has begun one final major project--the 
building of a modern, new stadium and a health and fitness complex.
  Those may be the most visible signs of change, but they tell only 
part of the story. During Dr. DeLauder's 16 year tenure, the university 
also expanded its academic programs by adding new graduate programs in 
biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as new undergraduate programs 
in airway science, computer science and mass communications. The 
university also increased its number of faculty with doctorates from 44 
to 72 percent. Admission standards have been raised, as well. In 
addition, DSU became the first higher education institution in Delaware 
to receive national accreditation for its teacher education program 
during his presidency.
  During his tenure, President DeLauder also founded a board of 
visitors that consists of State government leaders and corporate 
executives. The board's purpose is to provide support and assistance to 
the fund raising and development goals of the university. In 1994, he 
led Delaware State University on its first major fund raising effort. 
The campaign raised more than $10 million for the enhancement of 
academic programs, faculty development, and student financial aid.
  Dr. DeLauder's accomplishments have been recognized through numerous 
honors and awards. For example, in March 1994, he received the Thurgood 
Marshall Award for outstanding contributions to the higher education of 
African-Americans. In 1995, he received the prestigious leadership 
award in Delaware presented by the National Conference of Christians 
and Jews. In November 2001, he was inducted into the Delaware State 
University Sports Hall of Fame for his support of the school's student-
athletes and teams. That same month, he received the prestigious 
Buchanan award by the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. In June of 
last year, President DeLauder was appointed chairman of the United Way 
of Delaware's Board of Directors.
  Dr. DeLauder earned his bachelor of science degree from Morgan State 
University and a doctorate in physical chemistry from Wayne State 
University. He conducted post-doctoral research in physical 
biochemistry at the Centre of Biophysical Molecularie du C.N.R.S., 
Orleans-LaSource, France. Bill is married to a delightful woman, the 
former Vermell Faulk. She has served as an invaluable partner and 
University First Lady during this time of remarkable change at Delaware 
State. The DeLauders are blessed with two children, William Jr. and 
Ellen, and three grandchildren.
  Dr. DeLauder is a humble and selfless man who takes pride in his work 
but is always quick to share the credit for Delaware State College's 
successes with others. Through his tireless efforts, he has made a 
profound difference in the lives of thousands of students and enhanced 
the quality of life for an entire state. Upon his retirement, he will 
leave behind a legacy of commitment to public service for both his 
children and grandchildren and for the generations that will follow. I 
thank him for the warm friendship that we share, and I congratulate him 
on a truly remarkable and distinguished career. I wish him, his wife 
Vermell and their family only the very best in all that lies ahead for 
each of them.

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