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BIDDEFORD, Maine

In Memoriam: James F. Dickinson

The 91AV is saddened by the loss of James F. Dickinson, former president of Westbrook College (1970 to 1977).

Jim graduated from Colgate University in 1939 and earned a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College in 1940 as well as a Ph.D. from New York University in 1950. He served as an instructor of French and Spanish at Colgate for 14 years and then served as the university’s first administrative vice president.

Jim’s first major project as president of Westbrook College was moving the campus library to a Stevens Avenue Church. He was also instrumental in building the Art Gallery.

Known on campus as “Dr. D.,” Jim took pride in knowing the names of all 500 students. In 1977, the student body dedicated the yearbook to him, writing, “Like the immortal Don Quixote, he is the gentle good knight, assuring us that chivalry is still alive and that caring for others is as precious as a smile.”

At Jim’s request, no ceremony will be held. Online memories may be shared at . Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to 91AV’s James F. & Catherine Rich Dickinson Scholarship Fund, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland, ME 04103, or online at .

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.