PLYMOUTH – The Hartman Union Building Courtroom was full of members of the Plymouth State University community Tuesday afternoon for a celebration of the accomplishments of retiring PSU President, Donald P. Wharton.
To mark the retiring of Wharton’s academic “uniform,” his academic robes – emblazoned with the number 13 for his 13 years of service – were raised to the Courtroom ceiling.
Wharton was also honored by faculty and staff from many of the university’s departments, who offered stories, serenades and comedy routines and presented the retiring president with special gifts to remind him of his time at PSU.
The accomplishments and innovations at Plymouth State University during Wharton’s tenure include new graduate and undergraduate programs in natural science, communications studies, arts and criminal justice; information technology advancements throughout the university; partnerships between the university and local communities, including the Center for the Environment, the Center for Rural Partnerships and the Small Business Institute. Wharton also improved the curriculum, increased admission requirements, improved student academic performance, higher retention rates and increased financial aid opportunities, as well as a fundraising campaign that has helped beautify the campus and equip Boyd Science Center with the latest technologies and laboratory facilities.
Wharton also led PSU through the transition from Plymouth State College to Plymouth State University.
Over the past few months, a committee of faculty, staff and students has been responsible for recognizing Wharton’s contributions to various aspects of the university community. Staff at the university’s physical plant presented Wharton with a framed collage of building construction projects from 1994-2006. For his support of the arts, the PSU Chamber Singers at Silver Swings, hosted by the Silver Center for the Arts, honored Wharton and this year’s Educational Theatre Collaborative production of Seussical the Musical was dedicated to Wharton.
Wharton was also honored this year for his support of athletic programs at PSU. The PSU athletics department presented Wharton with two awards, the Dr. James J. Hogan Memorial Award and the Craig Souza Award.
The Hogan Award, given in memory of a former PSU history professor and coach, recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to Plymouth State athletics.
The Souza Award is given each year to a person or people in the Panther men’s basketball program who show dedication and service behind the scenes. The President’s Award, given by the athletic department each year, was also renamed the Donald P. Wharton Award.