Raymond F. von Dran was a tireless spokesman for both the Syracuse University iSchool and the burgeoning information school movement. He shared the mission to expand human capabilities through information to all who would listen. He believed through information, we can transform the individual, organizations, and society. His message was simple; whatever we do, we do through information and for people.
More than a decade ago, Dean Raymond F. von Dran spearheaded the iSchool movement with leaders from four other information schools. This expanding group, now called the iCaucus, adopted Ray’s vision of focusing on the relationship between information, technology, and people. Ray saw iSchools on equal intellectual ground with such recognized professional schools as business, engineering, medicine, and law.
Over the years, Ray shared his expertise with emerging information schools across the country and globe to help them structure and shape their curricula, degree programs, and missions, always using the iSchool at Syracuse as the model. Ray’s legacy is embedded not only in the success of the iSchool at Syracuse, but also in what many of the other iSchools have become.
Raymond F. von Dran’s personal commitment, knowledge, energy and vision for the iSchool movement are legendary in the information field. His sudden and tragic passing creates a unique opportunity for the iSchool at Syracuse to immortalize a man who pioneered a new academic field. By naming the school the Raymond F. von Dran School of Information Studies, the iSchool at Syracuse will capitalize on the goodwill of Ray’s lifetime of achievement and success and dedication to the information field.
As the recognized leader, spokesman, and cheerleader for the iSchool movement, naming the school in Ray’s honor will cement Ray’s dream for the school to be the recognized No. 1 iSchool in the world and raise the global profile for all iSchools and the broader field of information.
The school is already close to Ray’s dream of being the best iSchool in the world, as evidenced by the current rankings and depth and breadth of its offerings:
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A web site — ischool.syr.edu/ray — has been created to pay tribute to Raymond F. von Dran. All are invited to share their memories of Ray, post photos, or pass along condolences, which will be collected and presented to the von Dran family at a later date.
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