The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) is pleased to announce that a new scholarship in honor of Dean Eric Faigle ’28, G’30, H’68 has been established by alumnus William E. Pelton ’63 L’66.

Dean Faigle, pictured, was a professor of geography and served as dean of what was then known as the College of Liberal Arts from 1950-1968. In 1953, he also became Dean of the School of Speech and Dramatic Art, and in 1960 became vice president for student services while still leading the two schools. He served in these three capacities concurrently until his retirement in 1968.

In 1959, Faigle was recipient of Syracuse University’s highest alumni award, the George Arents Pioneer Medal. He passed away in 1971 and was survived by his wife Lucy; a son, Eric P., and a daughter, Cynthia.

“In creating this scholarship in Dean Faigle’s memory, Bill Pelton embodies the compassionate consideration for students that Faigle was known for,” says A&S Dean Karin Ruhlandt. “All of A&S is grateful to Bill Pelton for his generosity in remembering one of the University’s most beloved leaders. This scholarship will help me and future deans reward our top students and continue our tradition of academic excellence.”

Q&A with Bill Pelton

Please tell us about the scholarship you established.
I am proud to establish The Faigle/Pelton Achievement Scholarship in the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S). Dean Ruhlandt and her successors will have the discretion to award the scholarship to a deserving student or students enrolled in A&S and exhibiting special academic or related achievement. The scholarship is named for Dean Faigle and his wife, Lucy (Pelton) Faigle ’24. Lucy was a distant cousin of my paternal grandmother, who was also a Pelton.

What was your experience with Dean Faigle during your time on campus?

When I enrolled as a physics major in 1959, Dean Faigle was in his ninth year as dean of the College of Liberal Arts, renamed A&S in 1971. Shortly after arriving on campus, I was called to his office. Dean Faigle noted that he had been a mentor to my father Russell ’35, who had been a student in what is now the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and that I had best not disgrace the Pelton name!

My sisters Marjorie ’67 and Marilyn ’69 also were Syracuse students. As he did for me, Dean Faigle closely followed their academic careers through to graduation. He was always very generous with his time toward each of us. And believe me, we were grateful.

What do you want people to know about Dean Faigle?
Dean Faigle and Lucy would be happy to know that a scholarship has been established in their name for students who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishment in their chosen area of study. This scholarship is my enduring way of saying “thank you.”

Editor’s note: We all thank William Pelton for creating this meaningful tribute which will help A&S students now and in the future.

Contact Information

John Quigley, Assistant Dean for Advancement
quigley@syr.edu