IU South Bend’s First Chancellor Dies
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe first chancellor of Indiana University South Bend has died. Lester Wolfson led the university from 1969 until 1987, making him the longest-serving chancellor in the history of the campus. He was 93.
During Wolfson’s time as chancellor, IU South Bend went from a two-year college into a four-year university with undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university also saw the construction of Schurz Library and expansions of its theater and music departments.
"I had the privilege of speaking with him on the phone shortly after I arrived as chancellor," said IU South Bend Chancellor Terry Allison. "I have a deep appreciation for his career and the service he provided IU South Bend during his 18 years as chancellor. He built the foundation of this great campus and his legacy lives on here."
Before becoming chancellor, Wolfson served as an associate professor of English at was is now IU Northwest in Gary until he became director and assistant dean of IU South Bend in 1964. He retired in 1987.
The university says details on a public memorial will be released at a later date.