David Pye honoured by Alfred University

David Pye awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Alfred University Reunion Weekend

Alfred University Professor Emeritus L. David Pye HonFSGT received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at a ceremony in Holmes Auditorium. Pye received his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in ceramic science from Alfred University in 1959 and 1968. He joined the faculty of the New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University in 1968, beginning an academic career that lasted through 2002 and included serving as dean of NYSCC.

Outside Holmes Auditorium, Alfred University alumni celebrated the 2025 reunion, and NYSCC continued its 125-anniversary celebration, which began Jan. 1. Inside Holmes, an emotional Kathleen Richardson, the first woman to receive a PhD in glass science from Alfred University, in 1992, read the citation praising Pye’s work as a world leader in ceramic technology and research, citing “his contributions to glass and ceramic science at Alfred University and the world.”

Richardson was joined the Holmes stage by Alfred University President Mark Zupan, Gabrielle Gaustad, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering and vice president for Statutory Affairs, Lauren Lake, dean of the School of Art & Design, and Brian Sullivan, dean of University Libraries. Gaustad recalled Pye supporting her husband – and countless other NYSCC students – observing Pye “always had time to meet with students.” Zupan cited Pye’s generous work for the AU community, comparing him with the Alfred jewel in the University mace. “Our true jewels are our graduates such as David,” Zupan said.

Professor Pye’s accomplishments in the glass and ceramic science community are legendary. They include his election as the 46th Honorary Fellow of the Society of Glass Technology and his award of a Distinguished Life Membership in the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) for lifetime achievements in the field of ceramics. In 2019, the Glass and Optical Materials Division of ACerS established the L. David Pye Lifetime Achievement Award, and he served as Founding Editor of ACerS’ International Journal of Applied Glass Science.