Dr. William J. David, campus executive officer from 1973 to 1986, died Dec. 8 at the age of 90.
David became the leader of Penn State Hazleton in 1974. He presided over the largest facility expansion in campus history which included construction of the Physical Education Building and campus entranceway, along with oversight and planning of the bookstore and West residence hall.
Additionally, four new associate degree programs in physical therapist assistant, medical laboratory technology, nuclear engineering technology, and sociology were started.
Nicholas Skimbo, business faculty member from 1969-1988, remembered David as "a hands-on administrator, highly involved in strategic planning, and very active with the community through his associations with CAN DO and the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce."
David and his wife, Gloria, both were integral parts of the campus and community during his tenure. She spearheaded campus restoration and beautification projects. Following her death in Aug. 2002, the fountain in the Administration Building garden was restored and dedicated in her memory in 2004. During the fountain dedication ceremony, David and his daughter, Diana, spoke eloquently of Gloria's affection for and devotion to the campus, its students and faculty.
David came to Penn State Hazleton from Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich., where he served as associate dean of the College of Engineering. From 1953 to 1961, he was dean of the Graduate School of the Chrysler Institute of Engineering in Highland Park, Mich.
He earned degrees in mechanical and automotive engineering and a doctoral degree in higher education from the University of Michigan.
While at Penn State, David served as a board member of the United Way of Greater Hazleton, Hazleton Kiwanis Club, Greater Hazleton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, Community Concert Association, Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, MMI Preparatory School, and Economic Development Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
After he retired in 1986, David continued as director emeriti of the Penn State Hazleton Council, the campus advisory board.
David was born in nearby Lansford. He served in the Army in World War II as an engineer on the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, Tenn.
He is survived by daughters, Deborah and Diana; son, David '81, and a granddaughter.
To make a donation in memory of Dr. David, please call 570-450-3175.