Bill Rich, dean of international programs and a faculty member at Elon for 27 years, was honored at a special retirement event May 14.
Rich came to Elon as a professor of religion in 1977 and has worked in the dean’s office, as general studies director, dean of social science, Winter Term director and summer school director. He is responsible for building the study abroad program into one of the nation’s premier international studies programs. It includes 21 semester-abroad programs and 26 Winter Term courses involving about 750 students.
At the event, organized by Associate Provost Nancy Midgette, tributes were paid to Rich by staff members Hiromi Sumiyoshi, Mark Albertson and Lorraine Allen and faculty members Chalmers Brumbaugh and Jim Pace. President Leo M. Lambert delivered special remarks of appreciation for Rich’s long and distinguished service and Provost Gerry Francis, a longtime associate of Rich, served as master of ceremonies.