In Memoriam: Cynthia Paris

UDaily staff October 31, 2024

Campus community remembers professor emeritus, former director of the Lab School

Cynthia Paris, professor emeritus of human development and family sciences and former director of the University of Delaware Lab School in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), passed away Sept. 27, 2024. She was 74.

Cynthia Paris

A Delaware alumna, Dr. Paris played a key role in the University’s Lab School, which serves children from the ages of 6 months through kindergarten, while also providing a rich laboratory for UD students studying early childhood education.

She came to UD in 1975 as a preschool staff teacher in the school, a position she held for 10 years. In 2003, Dr. Paris returned to the University as an associate professor of human development and family sciences, and she served as director of the Lab School from 2012-19. She retired in 2020 and was given the title professor emeritus.

Rena Hallam, acting dean of the college, said “Cynthia made significant contributions to both the Lab School and our early childhood education program. She will be dearly missed by many of her colleagues and former students.”

In 2018, Dr. Paris received the college’s Excellence-in-Teaching Award, which recognizes faculty members who demonstrate an outstanding model of teaching that promotes excellence. She was honored for exemplifying “the qualities of a true teacher-scholar who is deeply committed to improving early childhood education and [who] demonstrates a deep commitment to supporting quality educational experiences for children and families in the community.”

Colleagues remember

Some of Dr. Paris’ colleagues shared their reflections.

Jason Hustedt, professor and chair of CEHD's Department of Human Development and Family Sciences: "I’m so grateful to have had Cynthia as a colleague on our early childhood faculty. She was tirelessly committed to young children. Her support for new generations of professionals and leaders in their work with young children was unparalleled."

Dorit Radnai-Griffin, director of the Lab School: "Cynthia tremendously impacted the trajectory of my life, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her. As my mentor and close friend for many years, she carried me through storms and showed me the way. She gave me the tools to be successful, but gracefully allowed me to learn from my mistakes and grow professionally. Cynthia's commitment and love for the UD Lab School were evident in everything she did daily. She was courageous and determined to demonstrate the unparalleled value of this unique place. I will continue to do the same in her honor and forever carry her memory with me.”

Cynthia Paris with Dorit Radnai-Griffin and Bev Leute Bruce at the 90th anniversary celebration for the Lab School

Members of the Lab School gathered to mark the school's 90th anniversary at a special celebration in September 2024, including Cynthia Paris (center), CEHD professor emeritus and former director of the Lab School from 2012-19. Also pictured are Dorit Radnai-Griffin (left), current director of the Lab School, and Bev Leute Bruce (right). Photo by Shelly Silva.

About Dr. Paris

Dr. Paris earned two degrees from the University of Delaware: a bachelor's degree with honors in early childhood and elementary education and a master’s degree in lifespan development. She was awarded her doctoral degree in educational leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a Graduate School of Education Merit Fellow and received the William E. Arnold Alumni Award for Leadership.

In addition to her career at UD, she taught for 15 years at Rider University. Including coordinating early childhood programs for three years and coordinating student teaching for two years. She also held teaching positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University, as well as John R. Downes Elementary School in Newark.

She was the author of Teacher agency and curriculum making in classrooms and coauthor of Learning to write differently: Beginning writers and word processing, along with numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals. She served on the editorial board of the Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education and was a founding board member of the National Center for Collaborative Teaching and Learning.

Honoring Dr. Paris

Members of the University community wishing to honor Dr. Paris’ memory are invited to make a gift in her name to support the Lab School's 90th Anniversary. All donations made in memory of Dr. Paris will help the Lab School continue its legacy and expand its reach and impact for years to come. When donating, please include a note in the special instructions indicating that your gift is in memory of Cynthia Paris.