POSTED AUGUST 13, 2008
Loss of Chancellor Christopher Fordham
Chancellor Holden Thorp sent the following message to the University community this afternoon:
Dear Carolina students, faculty and staff:
I am saddened to share the news that one of the University’s greatest leaders, Chancellor Emeritus Christopher C. Fordham III, died early today at UNC Hospitals. A longtime Chapel Hillian, he was 81.
Dr. Fordham served as chancellor from 1980 to 1988, was vice chancellor for health affairs, dean of our School of Medicine and a faculty member. He devoted more than 40 years of service to the University and was highly regarded as a leading figure in American higher and medical education.
When I earned my undergraduate degree in chemistry, Chancellor Fordham’s signature appeared on my diploma. As a graduating senior, I couldn’t appreciate the challenges he faced as chancellor. Today, I know that for him it was a labor of love, and that we all are so fortunate to continue benefitting from his wisdom and decisive action. Chancellor Fordham is rightly regarded as the driving force behind a period of extraordinary success at Carolina. We will never forget his deep love for this place.
We will post more information about Dr. Fordham’s legacy at Carolina on our homepage, www.unc.edu.
Sincerely,
Holden Thorp