University of Delaware
04/15/2024 | Press release | Archived content
In Memoriam: David P. Roselle
In Memoriam: David P. Roselle
Article by UDaily StaffApril 15, 2024
Campus community remembers 25th President of the University of Delaware
Editor's note: A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 29, at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, 505 E. Buck Road, Wilmington, DE 19807. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the University of Delaware or Winterthur Museum. Condolences may be left online.
David P. Roselle, 25th president of the University of Delaware, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024. He was 84. Dr. Roselle served as president of UD from May 1990 until his retirement in July 2007, when he was named president emeritus.
"We are all saddened to learn of the passing of David Roselle, and on behalf of the entire UD community, my wife, Eleni, and I extend our sympathies to his wife, Louise, and their family and all those who knew and worked with him during his impactful tenure at the University," said UD President Dennis Assanis. "President Roselle advanced UD's academic and research excellence while developing our campus infrastructure during a time of tremendous digital growth. David and Louise were deeply committed to the arts, as well. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members all continue to benefit from his enduring legacy of service to UD. Indeed, we are a stronger, more vibrant institution today because of the leadership and dedication of President Roselle."
Dr. Roselle attended President Assanis's inauguration in 2016.
"During his long and distinguished career, President Roselle contributed so much to UD and many other institutions, providing an inspiring example of what can be achieved through selfless cooperation and a commitment to future generations," said Terri L. Kelly, chair of the UD Board of Trustees. "We are fortunate that President Roselle served our University so capably for 17 years and remained a dedicated friend throughout his life."
After his retirement from UD, Dr. Roselle was named director of Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, serving as its leader for 10 years, the longest term of any Winterthur chief executive.