The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics is naming a conference room in the W.B. Young Building after Richard DelFavero (CAHNR ’56, ’58), a dedicated alumnus who passed away in July 2020.
DelFavero became connected to UConn early in his life, having been a member of UConn 4-H and attending state programs on campus. He later graduated in 1956 with a degree in agricultural engineering. He continued on to earn a graduate degree in agricultural economics before taking over his family’s business, DelFavero Builders, a commercial construction company in central Connecticut.
“Along with his wife Barbara, Mr. DelFavero was a significant part of the community at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,” says the College’s dean, Indrajeet Chaubey. “With this renaming, we hope to honor his memory and the spirit of generosity that he and his family brought to our college.”
The DelFaveros have provided transformational support for students in the department through the establishment of three endowed scholarships. In 2011, they also contributed to the establishment of the DelFavero Chair in Agriculture and Resource Economics, which has helped expand teaching and research capabilities.
DelFavero was a committed advocate for UConn and the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. He was a lifetime member of the UConn Alumni Association and championed the University to other alumni and donors as well as prospective students, including his children and grandchildren who have also graduated from UConn.
DelFavero’s connection to the College extended far beyond supporting academics. He was a founding brother and president of Alpha Gamma Rho, an agricultural fraternity. DelFavero remained an active member of the fraternity’s alumni association and helped the group maintain and upgrade the fraternity residence.
The renaming of this conference room in DelFavero’s memory is by no means the first time that the College has recognized his support. He was previously honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award and was the 2011 recipient of the Augustus and Charles Storrs Award, CAHNR’s highest recognition.
“As an avid proponent of education, what an incredibly special way to memorialize his lifelong commitment to UConn and his desire to give back to the institution that gave him so much,” says DelFavero’s daughter, Robbin Cabelus.
Originally from Meriden, DelFavero had retired to Hayward Farm, a beef farm in Vermont, where he reconnected with his love of farming.
