David Love, Associate Vice- President and Director of Sponsored Programs at Oberlin, highly respected friend and colleague, died on Feb. 11 in New York.

Since joining the Oberlin community in 1970, Love had served the College in a variety of capacities. “ David Love made major contributions to the College over the three decades he was with us. He was a very highly regarded teacher in philosophy in the 1970s, before moving on to an administrative role. From time to time, he worked as an Associate Dean at Arts and Sciences. For roughly two decades he was the director of sponsored programs. In that position he had a major role writing grants sand getting money from foundations. He played the key role in establishing the New Science Center. David will also be remembered as a tireless and imaginative champion of circular innovation,” Dean of Arts and Sciences Clayton Koppes said.

Until his death, Love played an essential role in the progress of the New Science Center. “Since 1996 David was instrumental in putting the pieces together in the development of the New Science Center, bridging the gaps between professors and the Administration, trustees and the architect. It is very sad that he will not see the center in its completion,” Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry Albert Matlin said. “ We were on the initial feasability committee together in 1996 and we were still meeting more than weekly, talking about the project’s progress. He was still constantly talking to the trustees and architects involved with the project.”

Even before the advent of the New Science Center, Love had been active in strengthening the College’s science facilities and programs. He was a founding member of the committee that later formed the College’s Environmental Studies program and continued to play a role with the program, working with Professor of Environmental Studies David Orr on several projects including the development of the Adam Joseph Lewis Environmental Studies building. Based in the Office of Research and Development, Love assisted the project primarily with his grant-writing work.

In 1998, Love’s Office of Research and Development wrote a proposal that eventually garnered the College a $500,000 Award for the Integration of Research and Education (AIRE) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Throughout his career, Love spearheaded efforts to integrate research and education into a more discovery-based teaching model. “David was a very creative person whose influence permeated every part of the College from helping establish Environmental Studies and international programs to helping faculty develop new courses and advance their research.

He was particularly proud of the New Science Center, the London program, and making student research and teaching assistant positions available throughout the College. He brought a wonderfully irreverent sense of humor to all that he did,” Director of Federal Support Barbara Fuchsman and Pam Snyder, Director of Foundation and Corporate Support in the Office of Sponsored Programs said.
Love was a popular figure on campus, although he principally worked behind the scenes. Faculty, administrators and students alike appreciated his positive, active presence.

“ David Love was my friend for thirty years and probably the most wonderful human being I have been acquainted with here,” Secretary of the College Robert Haslan said.

Love joined the Provost’s Office in 1978 to help faculty find grant support for research and teaching projects. He became Director of Sponsored Programs when the Office was created. “ He was a wonderful boss and will be missed greatly,” Administrative Assistant in the Office of Sponsored Programs Jill Drake said.

Love is survived by his wife, Department Chair and Professor of Biology Yolanda Cruz, and daughters, Imogen Love and Maria Rosasaco.