Saluting David Gwalthney's Service to Rutgers-Camden (Feb. 27, 2012)

Dear Colleagues:

It is with respect for a career that has helped to transform the operations of our campus that I report that David Gwalthney, director of the Office of Information Technology, has indicated his intention to retire.

His last day on campus will be Wednesday, Feb. 29.

Dave’s career has spanned the explosive growth of technology and has helped to revolutionize Rutgers–Camden’s ability to serve our students, faculty, staff, and community.  During the past four decades, Dave has been a steadfast source of support and guidance for our campus.  A 1971 graduate of Rutgers–Camden, he joined the staff as a programmer upon earning his bachelor’s degree.  He later was promoted to user services manager and then director of computing services.

During his impressive tenure, Dave was instrumental in keeping Rutgers–Camden current with changes in technology and its applications.  Among his many accolades, Dave earned a 2004 Rutgers Excellence in Service Award.  As the primary interface between the Camden Campus and the University Office of Information Technology, he represented our needs and our campus in fine fashion.  We will continue to build upon Dave’s legacy for years to come.

Upon Dave’s retirement, Rutgers–Camden will welcome Joseph Sanders as the new director of OIT.  A 1976 graduate of U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Joe’s association with Rutgers started in 1984 when he served as a U.S. Army enrollment officer and as an associate professor of military science. His most widely recognized role at Rutgers, however, was that of University Director of Telecommunications; in that capacity, he directed the successful RUNet2000 telecommunications infrastructure project, a $100 million endeavor that established the robust network that allows Rutgers to connect with the world.

Joe joined the University Office of Information Technology in 1998, and most recently served as University Director of Campus Computing Services.  He earned his master of public administration degree from the University of Oklahoma at Norman in 1983 and his master of science in telecommunications management from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1999.

Please join me in thanking Dave for his lifetime of service to Rutgers–Camden, and in expressing our deep appreciation for the legacy that he provides us.  I know that you join me in wishing him and his family the full enjoyment of the years to come, and in extending to Joe Sanders our support as he assumes his new role on our campus.

Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D

Chancellor