I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of David P. Roselle, the 25th president of the University of Delaware. Dr. Roselle passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 84. His impactful tenure at UD spanned from May 1990 until his retirement in July 2007, during which he was named president emeritus1.
Under Dr. Roselle’s leadership, the University of Delaware achieved significant milestones, including the highly successful completion of its first capital fundraising effort, the Campaign for Delaware. This campaign far exceeded its original goal, raising more than $431 million, compared to the initial target of $225 million. Additionally, the university’s endowment grew to over $1.2 billion during his tenure, up from $326 million in 1990. Notably, average SAT scores for entering freshmen increased from 1121 in 1991 to 1206 in 2005, and student aid rose from $19 million to $56 million during the same period1.
Dr. Roselle’s legacy extends beyond academia. He and his wife, Louise, were deeply committed to the arts. Their enduring dedication to service benefited students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members alike. After retiring from UD, Dr. Roselle served as the Executive Director of Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library for an impressive ten years, the longest term of any Winterthur chief executive1.
A Celebration of Life service in honor of President Roselle will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred on Monday, April 29, 2024. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the University of Delaware or Winterthur Museum. Our thoughts are with his wife, Louise, their children, and the entire UD community during this time of loss.