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Farewell Gathering for Dean Karen P. DePauw

Virginia Tech saluted Dean DePauw as she prepares to retire after 19 years, noting her transformative work and efforts to foster an inclusive graduate community

On July 8, 2021, Virginia Tech hosted a retirement party for Vice President and Dean for Graduate Education Karen P. DePauw, celebrating her 19 years as a leader at the institution. Hundreds of people attended the gathering, including dozens of alumni who shared their stories of working with Dean DePauw.

During brief remarks saluting the Dean, both President Tim Sands and Provost Cyril Clarke called her extraordinary. Clarke noted her global reputation and key programs, including Transformative Graduate Education (TGE), the Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Programs (IGEPs), and the Global Perspectives Program. Sands also applauded her efforts to create and foster an inclusive graduate community across the university.

We share a timeline of the Dean's tenure at Virginia Tech, a slide show of photos featuring her through the years, a tribute video, and photographs taken at the event.

Dean DePauw's 19 years at Virginia Tech

Photo of the 19 year timeline of Dean DePauw's tenure at Virginia Tech
Dean DePauw's 19 years at Virginia Tech.

Photographs of Dean Depauw through the years

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A video featuring tributes to Dean DePauw

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Photographs from the event