Bates College: Citation of Robert Elbert Dunn

Citation of Robert Elbert Dunn by Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty Ann B. Scott.

Mr. President, I am honored to present Robert Elbert Dunn.

The scholar treads a path of exploration and discovery that leads through familiar landscapes to new frontiers of knowledge. The educator retraces the scholar's steps, guiding others on a voyage of enlightenment.

Graduated from this College in 1950 with a major in sociology, Robert Dunn received the M.A. in guidance and the Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Connecticut. He began his career in education as a substitute teacher at East Hartford High School. He continued in the West Hartford schools as a teacher, guidance counselor, head of the social studies department, assistant principal and finally as principal of Hall High School, a position he held for 28 years. Widely recognized as an outstanding administrator, he was cited for his innovative work by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, among others; honored by the Connecticut General Assembly for his educational leadership; and named Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools.

A Rotary Club Foundation Fellowship in 1951 and 1952 enabled Robert Dunn to study secondary school education in England, Europe, Iceland and South Africa. This opportunity sparked a lifelong interest in international education, which led him to investigate schools in the Eastern Bloc nations, and later to serve as deputy headmaster for academics at the Seoul International School in South Korea, a post he held from 1990 to 1995.

As an alumnus of Bates, Dunn has engaged in many activities on behalf of the College, including the Alumni in Admissions and Career Discovery Internship Programs. He has served as an alumni trustee and as Vice-President of his class. Dunn, with his wife, Gladys Bovino Dunn, class of '51, received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1963.

For his successful guidance of young persons on journeys of discovery, for his appreciation of the rewards of global commitment and for his loyal service as an alumnus of Bates, I present Robert Elbert Dunn for the degree Doctor of Humane Letters.