Castle says thanks at DSU ceremony

The large crowd at DSU’s Memorial Hall Gymnasium was there to welcome the school’s new president. It got a few “personal” comments from Congressman Mike Castle as well.

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The formal introduction of Delaware State University’s new president briefly turned into an informal goodbye from Congressman Mike Castle.

While speaking at the inauguration Friday at DSU for Dr. Harry Lee Williams, the 10th president in the history of the institution, Castle made a couple of “personal” comments.

Castle, who lost to Christine O’Donnell in the GOP Senate primary Tuesday, told the packed DSU gymnasium that because of that “bump in the road,” he probably wouldn’t be speaking at the school again in an official capacity.

“I will tell you that I am extremely proud of the fact that I received a few years ago an honorary degree from Delaware State University,” he said.

Castle received a standing ovation when he was introduced. He has been a two-time Delaware Governor and has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993.

“I’ve enjoyed so much the people who have been here at Delaware State,” he said. “Not just the students, but the faculty, administrators, the board and everybody who works here for the difference they make in the lives of the students.”

Gov. Jack Markell (D), followed Castle at the speaker’s podium.

“He (Castle) said that he was so proud to have received the honorary degree from Delaware State University,” Markell said. “The one thing I know for sure is the entire state is proud of Congressman Castle.”

The rest of the Delaware Congressional Delegation — U.S. Sen. Tom Carper and U.S. Sen. Ted Kauffman — attended the ceremony as well.