Community bids Chapman farewell

Written by Brianna Ehley Friday, 20 November 2009 08:00

Mayor Dennis Walaker officially declared Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, “President Joseph Chapman Day” in the city of Fargo. Walaker made the announcement to a crowd of students, faculty and community members during a reception dedicated to Chapman.

President Joseph Chapman with wife Gale Chapman at the reception held in his honor Wednesday in the Memorial Union.

Walaker, among others, thanked Chapman for his 11 years at NDSU and his service to the community and the state of North Dakota. He expressed gratitude for Chapman and showed appreciation for the president’s many accomplishments at NDSU.

“If we couldn’t convince him to stay, the least we can do is to reminisce about the great memories we have had with him.” Walaker said. “He is the best president I’ve had anything to do with in all of my years here.”

Other guest speakers included honorable Judge Myron Bright, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Bright thanked Chapman for all of his contributions to not only the university, but the city of Fargo and the state of North Dakota.

“We can never forget what you’ve done for NDSU, Fargo and North Dakota,” Bright said. “The university’s relation to the city of Fargo and state has made our lives better.”

University Senate President Mark Meister shared his appreciation for the president, telling of his years as a young faculty member inspired by Chapman’s leadership. “You had a vision that spoke to me,” Meister said. “Because of you, this university has a graet reputation and stature that was built upon your leadership.”

Concluding the reception, Chapman and his wife, Gale, thanked everyone for their support and appreciation.

“Thank you all. We know we have made a difference, but we couldn’t have done it without the love and affection you all have had for us,” Chapman said. “The feeling is mutual.”

Though the Chapmans are planning to move to Colorado, they made clear that they will keep in touch with the NDSU community.

“We’re not planning to disengage,” Chapman said. “You can’t spend that amount of time in a place like this and then just make it go away; that’s not the way we are.”

Chapman’s presidency will officially come to a close on Nov. 30, roughly a month earlier than stated in his resignation letter to the university. Dr. Richard Hanson will begin serving as the interim president of NDSU on Dec. 1.