University Letter

UND's faculty and staff newsletter

Remembering Tom DiLorenzo

Tom DiLorenzo, retired provost and vice president for academic affairs, passed away Friday, July 17.

He and his wife, Suzanne Austin, who recently was named provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the College of Charleston, were targeted in an attempted robbery in Charleston, S.C. During the robbery attempt, Dr. DiLorenzo was shot and later died at the hospital. Dr. Austin was not physically injured. Two juveniles have been arrested.

Tom DiLorenzo retired from UND on June 1 after serving the University of North Dakota for seven years.

During his tenure, he served four presidents and devoted great time and energy to advancing UND during difficult budgetary years, always guided by the best interest of our students, faculty, staff and the institution. He worked tirelessly to advance the One UND Strategic Plan, and led initiatives to increase student retention and improve graduation rates. He also strengthened UND’s relationship with the City of Grand Forks and grew internships for students throughout the community. Graduate enrollment is at an all-time high as is the Honors Program and UND’s research portfolio, all of which also were centerpieces of DiLorenzo’s tenure.

“With his superhuman work ethic, Tom gave his heart and soul to the University up until his very last day at UND,” said UND President Andy Armacost. “He led the University’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He initiated programs that strengthened ties between UND and the Grand Forks community. And to improve the academic experience for UND students, he implemented programs that have resulted in better graduation and retention rates. Tom did all that was asked of him and then more. It was the kind of person he was.”

“We offer our condolences to Suzanne and the rest of Tom’s family at this very tragic time,” said Mark Hagerott, chancellor of the North Dakota University System. “Dr. DiLorenzo was dedicated to the University of North Dakota for seven years before his recent retirement and his sudden death leaves us to mourn his loss as well as have deep respect and reverence for his service to his campus community.”

“Tom invested in people and challenged them to grow and learn,” said Debbie Storrs, interim provost. “He cared deeply about UND. He encouraged us to think differently, look forward, and envision a better university. He was committed to equity and hired many women into leadership positions.  With his leadership, we made great progress at the university in many areas in the past seven years, including improving student success. His new adventure was abruptly ended. It is hard to put to words the sadness, especially in the world we live in today. He will be missed. His impression on UND is felt, and we will continue to think forward. My thoughts are with his family.”

“I worked productively with former provost DiLorenzo for his entire, roughly seven-year tenure at the University of North Dakota,” said Dr. Joshua Wynne, vice president for health affairs, dean of the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and former interim president. “He was incredibly helpful during my one-year tenure as interim president. I found him to be a person of high standards and an incredibly hard worker. I am very saddened by his unfortunate passing. I wish his wife and family the most sincere of condolences.”