University loses former vice chancellor Rossman

University loses former vice chancellor RossmanNovember 06, 2003Edward Byrnesedbyrnes@syr.edu

Newell W. Rossman Jr. ’39, former vice chancellor for University relations, passed away at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital on Oct. 15. A memorial service will be held on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel.

Rossman was known for his many years of dedicated service to SU and the surrounding community. After graduating cum laude from The College of Arts and Sciences, Rossman, a native of Kingston, Pa., taught political science courses part-time at SU’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Concurrently, he managed an athletic residence and became the first president of the Graduate Club.

In 1941, Rossman left SU to take an internship with the personnel division of the Panama Canal Zone and remained there after the United States entered World War II. At war’s end he became chief of the Canal Administration’s Research and Service Bureau.

Rossman dedicated the rest of his career to his alma mater, and in his 36 years with SU he helped raise millions of dollars. He served as field secretary and director of the University’s Alumni Fund until 1956, when he was named director of the newly formed Development Office. In 1957, he was appointed vice president of that office, and 11 years later he became vice chancellor for University relations. He was appointed vice chancellor and special assistant to the Chancellor in 1975. After his retirement in 1981, upon which the Newell W. Rossman Endowed Scholarship Fund was established at SU, Rossman turned to freelancing as an institutional planning consultant. He maintained steady contact with the University throughout his later years.

Rossman held executive positions with many organizations in Central New York. He served as a trustee of Cazenovia College, the Canal Museum, Syracuse Savings Bank, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Alpha Chi Rho Educational Foundation. He also served on the board of directors for American General Life Insurance Co. of New York, Consolidated Industries of Greater Syracuse, Community General Hospital, the Syracuse University Press, Cazenovia Public Library, and Blue Cross of Syracuse. He was a senior member of the Citizens Foundation, a member of the Advisory Council of SU’s Institute for Sensory Research, and a member of the YMCA advisory board.

In 1963, Rossman was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws from Parsons College of Fairfield, Iowa.

Rossman is survived by his wife, Kathleen. The couple’s daughter, Muriel ’68, passed away in 1996. Donations can be made to the Muriel J. Rossman Endowed Scholarship Fund, 820 Comstock Ave., Syracuse, N.Y. 13244.