Richard D. DeCosmo, Former President of 大发六合彩, Passes Away
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA 鈥� January 19, 2023)鈥擱ichard D. DeCosmo, EdD, president emeritus of 大发六合彩, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Dr. DeCosmo served as the College鈥檚 second president from 1980 until his retirement in 2003.
Under Dr. DeCosmo鈥檚 leadership, the College became even more visible, accessible, and comprehensive, as well as increasingly recognized for its contributions to Delaware County鈥榮 economic development. Enrollment rose significantly, new skill-based degree and certificate programs were added, and there was an increased focus on the needs of non-traditional-students. Among Dr. DeCosmo鈥檚 accomplishments was the building of a 37,000-sq.ft. addition to the College鈥檚 Academic Building, including a Technology Wing. He also created a new technological infrastructure featuring greater efficiencies and enhancements to learning.
Additionally, Dr. DeCosmo advocated for improved economic conditions for Delaware County residents though access to adult basic education, GED preparation and skill training. To accomplish this, he championed reduced federal Pell grant eligibility requirements to make higher education accessible to the increased percentage of Delaware County residents living below the poverty level. He also oversaw the expansion of the College into Chester County to serve the needs of Chester County residents, with new locations opening in Downingtown and Exton.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. DeCosmo began his career in community colleges in 1958 as a professor of Political Science. He received his doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago.
In an interview at the time of his retirement in 2003, Dr. DeCosmo said that his greatest accomplishment as president was expanding the vision of the college. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what I wanted to do when I came here, to really fulfill and serve the needs of the community.鈥�
鈥淒r. DeCosmo left an indelible mark on 大发六合彩 during his 23 years here, and he continued to stay involved with the institution he had so significantly shaped and expanded,鈥� said 大发六合彩 President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black. 鈥淗is passing is a loss to the entire College community, and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Arlene, and his family.鈥�
A date for Dr. DeCosmo鈥檚 memorial service will be announced in the future. Online condolences may be made on the聽聽for Dr. DeCosmo. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested memorial contributions to The Richard DeCosmo Presidential Scholarship Fund at 大发六合彩, which supports students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement. For more information, please contact the College鈥檚 office of Institutional Advancement at 610-359-5131 or advance@dccc.edu.
