Dr. ALBERT C. VAN DUSEN

VAN DUSEN
Dr. ALBERT C.
Age 99, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2014. "Van," as he was known, was devoted to his wife of 72 years, Margaret, and to his three daughters. He will be remembered as a humble and true gentleman of exceptional warmth, generosity, and unfailing patience. He had a long and distinguished career as a university administrator, community contributor, and humanitarian. Van completed his academic degrees at the University of Florida and Northwestern University, and served as a naval officer during World War II. In 1944, he joined the faculty of Northwestern University and served as vice president there from 1952 to 1956. In 1957, Van joined the University of Pittsburgh as assistant chancellor. From 1957 until his retirement almost three decades later, Van served the University of Pittsburgh in various administrative leadership roles and retired as vice chancellor emeritus. He was particularly proud of establishing Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, the School of Library Sciences, and the Learning Research and Development Center. Van spent much of his career collaborating with universities throughout the world, focusing on program development and exchange programs. Van was particularly interested in public television and served as chairman of the WQED Board of Directors and chairman of the Association for America's Public TV Stations from 1981-88, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Public TV Network Commission. Dear to his heart was the preservation and renewal of the city of Pittsburgh. Van served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation. This group was responsible for much of the renaissance of the Pittsburgh area now renowned for its beauty. A man of kindness with a great sense of humor and a love of life, Van had many talents and interests. He enjoyed dancing, comedy, and worldwide travel and had an incredible self-taught artistic talent, samples of which were shared with friends and family as illustrations on holiday cards. His family remembers Van as a loving father and a role model for hard work, integrity, and respect for others. He took pleasure in interacting with people from every walk of life. He always had a smile and hello to share with those he met. In 2002, Van and Margaret moved from Mt. Lebanon to Friendship Village in Upper St. Clair, where Margaret still resides. Van's wife, Margaret; and daughters, Dr. Margaret Van Dusen Pysh of Arizona, Jane Van Dusen of Oregon, and Sara Van Dusen and son-in-law, Frank Matyskiela, of California, all survive him. He will be dearly missed. A celebration of life service will be held at Heinz Chapel at a time to be determined. His ashes will be interred privately in the military Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. Donations may be directed to Nationality Rooms Program, Albert C. and Margaret Van Dusen Summer Study Abroad Scholarship, 1209 Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Please add tributes at:
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