president RAYMOND FLECK papers

Dr. Raymond Fleck

Raymond Anthony Fleck was born March 9, 1927 in Brooklyn, New York. He was employed as a draftsman from 1943-1945, and then a soldier in the US Navy from 1945-1946. Fleck’s higher education began post-war at Manhattan College, during which time he joined the Brothers of the Holy Cross in 1948. Brother Fleck went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1951 (Magna Cum Laude) and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1954. Brother Fleck applied his education towards his role as instructor of Chemistry at St.Edward’s University from 1954-1957, at which time he was appointed as President of the university.

Brother Fleck served as president of St.Edward's University from 1957-1969. During his tenure as president, enrollment had nearly tripled (to just under 1,000 students), and women were approved to study at the university, where they helped establish Maryhill College. Other notable mentions Fleck oversaw were the first IBM computer in 1963, groundbreaking of new buildings such as St.Teresa Hall, and the gradual conversion of St.Edward’s University from a strictly Catholic institution to a "contemporary liberal arts college" (Dunn, 1986, p.317). Brother Fleck conducted correspondence with members of the US Senate and House during his time at St.Edwards, of which notable members included John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Fleck continued his correspondence with the two throughout their subsequent presidencies.

In 1970, Brother Fleck respectfully dispensed his vows of religion from the Brothers of the Holy Cross. Dr.Fleck went on to marry Dorothy Rossow, formerly known as Sister Gretchen Rossow, in August of 1970. Following this, Dr.Fleck was taken on as Director of Research at the California State Polytechnic University in 1970. Dr.Fleck then assumed the presidency of Marygrove College in September of 1972 and continued in that capacity until 1979.

Fleck's memberships include the Association of American Colleges, American Council on Education, Austin Rotary Club, National Catholic Education Association, Catholic Higher Education Committee of the State Council of Knights of Columbus, Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Board of Directors of the United Fund of Austin, Advisory Board of the International Hospitality Committee of Austin, and Commission on Standards of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities.

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Biographies and Resumes from the collection

Dunn, W. (1986). Saint Edward's University: A Centennial History. Nortex Press.