Student center to be renamed after Rowan's fourth president
Student center to be renamed after Rowan's fourth president
April 10, 2006
University to honor Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain
On July 1, 1969, Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain, then only 38, became Rowan University's fourth president, leading the institution into a 15-year period of profound growth and change.
On Friday, April 21, at 11 a.m., the University's student center will be officially renamed the Mark M. Chamberlain Student Center during a ceremony in the "Pit" of the center, which was constructed during his presidency.
Fittingly, the dedication ceremony coincides with the University's celebration of Rowan Day, which highlights the richness of the University by showcasing the achievements and talents of Rowan's diverse student body.
"In effect, Dr. Chamberlain served the University through portions of five decades, first as president and, later, as a professor," Rowan President Dr. Donald Farish said. "He took a collaborative approach to his stewardship of the institution, regularly seeking input from students and faculty in the administrative decision-making process. And he immersed himself in the fabric of South Jersey.
"In naming the student center after him," Farish continued, "we pay tribute to his leadership, scholarship and teaching, but also to his commitment to the spirit of student involvement, of collaboration, and of community."
During Chamberlain's tenure, the student population at Rowan, then known as Glassboro State College, more than doubled in size and the college expanded its offerings to include major programs in the liberal arts and sciences, fine and performing arts and business administration. The Student Center, Wilson Hall, the Robinson Teacher Education Building, Bole Hall and two new residence hall complexes also were built during Chamberlain's presidency.
Chamberlain took the presidency during the turbulent Vietnam War era and took a collaborative approach to leading the institution, routinely seeking input from faculty and students on a host of issues. The University's Faculty Senate was established during his tenure.
A Williamstown resident, Chamberlain was active in community activities, including the Southern New Jersey Development Council. Continuing a family tradition of fire service?Chamberlain's grandfather was a fireman?he was a proud volunteer with the Glassboro Fire Department and was known to dash from the president's office to fight a fire when the alarm sounded.
Upon leaving the presidency in 1984, Chamberlain returned to teaching, serving as a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics until his retirement in 2000.
Rowan faculty, students and administrators will join with community members, including local volunteer firefighters, to honor Chamberlain during the renaming ceremony.
On July 1, 1969, Dr. Mark M. Chamberlain, then only 38, became Rowan University's fourth president, leading the institution into a 15-year period of profound growth and change.
On Friday, April 21, at 11 a.m., the University's student center will be officially renamed the Mark M. Chamberlain Student Center during a ceremony in the "Pit" of the center, which was constructed during his presidency.
Fittingly, the dedication ceremony coincides with the University's celebration of Rowan Day, which highlights the richness of the University by showcasing the achievements and talents of Rowan's diverse student body.
"In effect, Dr. Chamberlain served the University through portions of five decades, first as president and, later, as a professor," Rowan President Dr. Donald Farish said. "He took a collaborative approach to his stewardship of the institution, regularly seeking input from students and faculty in the administrative decision-making process. And he immersed himself in the fabric of South Jersey.
"In naming the student center after him," Farish continued, "we pay tribute to his leadership, scholarship and teaching, but also to his commitment to the spirit of student involvement, of collaboration, and of community."
During Chamberlain's tenure, the student population at Rowan, then known as Glassboro State College, more than doubled in size and the college expanded its offerings to include major programs in the liberal arts and sciences, fine and performing arts and business administration. The Student Center, Wilson Hall, the Robinson Teacher Education Building, Bole Hall and two new residence hall complexes also were built during Chamberlain's presidency.
Chamberlain took the presidency during the turbulent Vietnam War era and took a collaborative approach to leading the institution, routinely seeking input from faculty and students on a host of issues. The University's Faculty Senate was established during his tenure.
A Williamstown resident, Chamberlain was active in community activities, including the Southern New Jersey Development Council. Continuing a family tradition of fire service?Chamberlain's grandfather was a fireman?he was a proud volunteer with the Glassboro Fire Department and was known to dash from the president's office to fight a fire when the alarm sounded.
Upon leaving the presidency in 1984, Chamberlain returned to teaching, serving as a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics until his retirement in 2000.
Rowan faculty, students and administrators will join with community members, including local volunteer firefighters, to honor Chamberlain during the renaming ceremony.