Richard E. Steele
The Bowdoin College community is mourning the death of Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Emeritus Richard E. Steele, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 71. Steele devoted his entire career to college admissions and college counseling, serving as dean or assistant dean at Bates, Vassar, Vermont, Carleton, Duke, and Bowdoin. In a letter to the Bowdoin community, Bowdoin President Barry Mills said Steele-who served as dean of admissions at Bowdoin from 1991-01, and as acting dean in 2005-06- was “a good friend to many” who “was instrumental in transforming the lives of literally thousands of students.”
3 thoughts on “Bowdoin Mourns Admissions Dean Richard Steele”
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My condolences to Dean Steele’s family. He was a good man who will be greatly missed by many, I am sure.
The Shaw Family wishes to express our condolences to the Steele Family. We have a special bond with you because our “Dad” was also Director of Admissions at Bowdoin from 1948 to 1967. Through Dean Steele’s efforts, thousands of students, many of whom needed financial aid, had the opportunity to attend Bowdoin and ultimately went on to make great contributions in their chosen fields all over the world. We know from our own experience that Dean Steele’s legacy at Bowdoin will grow for many years to come. We celebrate with you his great contributions to Bowdoin and we mourn his loss. Hubert S. Shaw, Jr. ’65
Such a profound loss – a finer Dean and human being you could not meet. I have wonderful memories working with Dick at Bowdoin throughout the 1990’s; his contributions to the College and the world of Admisssions were legendary. My heart goes out to all of Dick’s family and his wide circle of friends and colleagues at this very sad time. Lisa Tessler ’79