David W. Adamany, former president of Temple University, died Nov. 10 after a brief illness. He was 80 and lived in Center City.
Adamany, described by relatives as “a proud gay man,” held several high-profile posts in government and academia before serving as Temple’s eighth president from 2000-06.
At Temple, Adamany was credited with doubling the school’s net assets, diversifying the student body, increasing academic standards and facilitating the construction of a student center and faculty center.
“David Adamany pushed Temple University to be its best self,” said Temple board of trustees chair Patrick J. O’Connor. “But David never forgot his own roots and made sure Temple remained true to its mission of being affordable, accessible, diverse and high-quality — all at the same time.”
After stepping down as Temple’s president, Adamany took a sabbatical, then returned as a professor of law and political science. He taught at Temple until recently.
Prior to heading Temple, Adamany served as president of Wayne State University in Detroit from 1982-97. In that post, he initiated a capital-improvement plan that helped establish the school’s reputation as a top research institution. A library on campus is named after Adamany.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Adamany also had a brief stint as chief CEO of the Detroit public-school system from 1999-2000, during a state reorganization of the system.
Born on Sept. 23, 1936, in Janesville, Wisc., Adamany received a full scholarship to Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government and a law degree. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a master’s degree and a doctoral degree in political science.
Friends say Adamany’s early career was marked by a strong commitment to public service. In Wisconsin, he was employed as special assistant to the attorney general and as pardon counsel to the governor. In 1963, at the age of 27, Adamany was appointed to Wisconsin’s public-service commission, making him the youngest person ever to serve in that role.
In the mid-1970s, Adamany served as a special advisor to Wisconsin Gov. Patrick J. Lucey, and as Wisconsin’s secretary of revenue.
Adamany taught at numerous institutions throughout the country, including Wesleyan University, the University of Wisconsin, California State University at Long Beach and the University of Maryland.
An obituary prepared by his family stated: “David W. Adamany was widely recognized as a community leader and stalwart civil-rights advocate. He was a longtime member of the American Civil Liberties Union and, as a proud gay man, a strong supporter of equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.”
Adamany served on numerous governmental, civic, corporate, hospital and professional-association committees and boards of directors. He also received many honors throughout his career.
In 1997, Adamany was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Award from Detroit’s Plymouth United Church of Christ. In 1998, he was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association’s Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Council. In 2000, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services honored Adamany as “Arab American of the Year.”
Stephen A. Glassman, former chair of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, recalled Adamany with fondness. “I knew David well during his tenure as president of Temple University,” Glassman said. “I spent a good deal of time discussing civil rights and civil liberties issues with him, particularly around the process of expanding non-discrimination policies at universities and our efforts to pass statewide equality legislation. David offered a helpful perspective from the standpoint of pragmatism and policy development.”
Michael J. Gallagher Jr., a close friend of Adamany, issued this statement: “David was an inspiring, kind, loving friend with a terrific sense of humor and wit. He touched many lives and impacted generations. He was a trailblazer who not only paved the way but also guided many down their path. Many of us are who we are because of him. And as a result, his life continues.”
Arthur M. Kaplan was another close friend.
“David was a great friend to the LGBT community,” Kaplan said. “He had a strong interest in Project Home’s ongoing effort to provide housing and services to homeless LGBT youth. In recognition of David’s personal commitment, his estate has suggested that contributions in his memory be made to Project Home — which will earmark all memorial donations to housing and services for LGBT homeless youth. David will be sorely missed by his many friends.”
Adamany is survived by two sisters, a brother, three nieces, three nephews, a grand-niece and six grand-nephews.
A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at Temple University’s Feinstein Lounge, 1801 North Broad St. in North Philadelphia. Memorial donations may be made to Project Home, 1515 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130 and the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, 207 E. Buffalo Street, Suite 325, Milwaukee, WI 53202.