Scranton alumnus Ed Lucy honors former mentor and professor Richard F. Dempsey

DUNMORE, Pa. — Ed Lucy, Jr., a 1976 computer science alumnus, was a sophomore at Penn State Scranton when he first met the late Rich Dempsey, then assistant professor of information sciences and technology at the campus.

“You couldn't miss Rich,” Lucy recalled. “It seemed like he was always around. He took great pride in the computer lab and was always tinkering with something. In those early days of punch cards and card readers, Rich was a constant presence. Our class was particularly close, since we spent a lot of time together working on projects into the late hours of the night. Rich would always stop in to see how things were going before he left for the evening. During the time we spent there, many of us became close to Rich. He was always willing to talk to discuss his thoughts and offer suggestions and advice. He truly had an open-door policy and would talk to anyone, even if it meant staying late, knowing it must be important because the person took the time to come to see him.”

It was that type of mentorship and care for his students that has stuck with Lucy over the decades, from his college days through his career and professional success. And so, in 2022, Lucy decided to honor his former professor by establishing a fund in his memory. The Richard F. Dempsey Award in Information Sciences and Technology recognizes outstanding academic achievement by an undergraduate student enrolled in the Information Sciences and Technology (IST) degree program at Penn State Scranton. To date, it has been awarded to four students.

“As I get closer to the end of my career, I looked back at the people who were responsible for helping me obtain the success that I had, and I wanted to do something to say thank you,” Lucy said. “Rich was a big part of that. I got to do something that I love. It’s my way of paying it forward.”

In addition to honoring Dempsey, Lucy, a first-generation student, also wanted to honor his alma mater.

“Neither of my parents went to college,” Lucy said. “My dad worked three jobs to support us while my mother would manage the household. By attending Penn State, I was able to learn on IBM equipment, and that knowledge was one of the keys to getting me my first job at, of course, IBM. Having Penn State on my transcript helped as well, as they realized that I didn’t need as much training as others that they might have hired. Needless to say, my starting salary was much higher than anyone I knew without a degree.”

Dempsey retired from Penn State Scranton as an associate professor of computer science/information sciences and technology after a 34-year teaching career there, during which he served as program coordinator for Penn State’ Commonwealth College IST program and received the Campus Advisory Board Award for Excellence in Teaching.

As one of the first IST faculty members and leaders at the campus, he became a driving force behind building its technology programs and facilities, while his love of technology and genuine care for students fueled his commitment to creating the best possible learning environment.

“Rich loved teaching and he loved sharing that knowledge with his students,” said Joette Dempsey, Rich Dempsey's wife and former Penn State Scranton staff member. “He would be humbled to know that Ed Lucy thought so much of him as a person, teacher and mentor that he would honor him by establishing this fund in his name at Penn State Scranton.”

Beyond campus, Dempsey was a devoted husband, father and community member — coaching youth basketball, serving as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, and building meaningful friendships wherever he went.

“The true measure of a man can be found in what was left behind once they leave this earth,” Lucy said. “For Rich, he not only left a first-class environment for learning, but the many friendships as well as the accomplishments of his many students.”

Alumni and friends who wish to contribute in Rich Dempsey’s memory to the fund that bears his name can do so by sending a check to Penn State Scranton, 120 Ridge View Drive, Dunmore, PA 18512. More information and online giving options also are available at scranton.psu.edu/giving. Questions may be directed to Desiree Voitek at 570-450-3015.

Gifts to the Richard F. Dempsey Award in Information Sciences and Technology advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.