Founding CPC Director Ralph Begleiter retires

NOVEMBER 18, 2016 -- Editor's note: Please visit the CPC's album to view photos from the event.

The University of Delaware celebrated the accomplishments of the Center for Political Communication's Founding Director, Ralph Begleiter, at his retirement party last November. University leadership, Delaware dignitaries, corporate leaders, and members of the UD community gathered to honor Ralph's extraordinary contributions over the course of two careers spanning 46 years, first in journalism and later in higher education.

George Watson, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, lauded Ralph’s accomplishments and spoke of his endless fount of inspiring ideas. He recognized Ralph with a Lifetime Service Award and presented him with a "Map of 100 Countries" to acknowledge his world travels as CNN's most widely traveled reporter. As a professor, he traveled with University students to Cuba, South America, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Antarctica.

Ralph joined the University of Delaware as a professor of communication in 1999, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in broadcast journalism. He established the University of Delaware's Center for Political Communication in 2010. He received the University of Delaware’s “Excellence in Teaching” award in 2015, and the College of Arts & Sciences teaching award in 2009. He was twice nominated by the University of Delaware for the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. Professors of the Year national award.

Ralph’s lasting influence is felt by former students including Domenico Montanaro (AS '01), now NPR’s Political Editor, who said Ralph was one of his key influences and mentors, adding “he is a gracious, one-of-a-kind, innovative teacher.” 

Department of Communication Chair Betsy Perse reviewed Ralph’s course evaluations each term and said, “Ralph made outstanding contributions to his students. Students found his classes amazing and reported that his teaching stimulated them to think.” Praise also comes from Lindsay Hoffman, associate director of the CPC, who said, “I have Ralph to thank for opening up my ideas about what a professor can and should be, and I believe I am better at what I do because of his influence and guidance.”

To mark his retirement, Ralph received an official state tribute from Delaware Governor Jack Markell and words of praise and appreciation from U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons. In a pre-recorded video presented at the event, U.S. Senator Chris Coons noted Ralph's dedication and role as a mentor to his students. The highest tribute to Ralph’s work is the legacy he leaves with the Center for Political Communication, which he founded in 2010.

Ralph Begleiter’s to-do list is always filled with ideas, projects and goals, whether it is to crisscross the globe as a journalist and then as a professor accompanying students, innovate courses in global and national affairs, or develop, create and found a center for the study of political communication. Now Ralph can check off "retire" on his list and, as he undoubtedly fills his list with new “to dos," his University of Delaware colleagues wish him well.

To make a commemorative gift in honor of Ralph Begleiter, please use our secure online form. Designate your gift to the "Other" category, specifying "Center for Political Communication" and completing the form as an honorary gift in the name of "Ralph Begleiter."

If you have any questions about this form, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations toll-free at 866-535-4504 or by email at annualgiving@udel.edu. Business hours for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. All gifts to the University are tax-deductible to the extent provided by the law. The University of Delaware is a 501(c)(3) organization (tax ID # 51-6000297). Thank you for your generous support!