July 28, 2022

The Goodwin College of Professional Studies mourns the loss of Richard C. Goodwin, a loyal Drexel alumnus, philanthropist and businessman. He died on June 24, 2022, at the age of 94.

Born in Philadelphia in 1928, Goodwin credited his father, Harry, for teaching him the values of self-discipline and a solid education. He strived to construct a better world, using the values he inherited from his father, along with his compassion and knowledge of business.

Goodwin received his bachelor's degree in commerce and engineering from Drexel University in 1948, followed by an honorary doctoral degree in 2004 to recognize his many professional and philanthropic accomplishments.

Through Goodwin Enterprises, he, his family and colleagues had an enormous impact on shaping the landscape of South Jersey through the construction of thousands of residential units, as well as sewer and water companies and neighborhood shopping centers. Additionally, Goodwin was chairman and founder of the Goodwin Foundation, supporting more than 100 organizations and institutions throughout the U.S.

Goodwin's extraordinary commitment to his alma mater led him to make a landmark commitment in 2000 to name the Richard C. Goodwin College of Professional Studies, resulting in the renovation of Goodwin College's facilities to include state-of-the-art computer labs, as well as labs in support of the Engineering Technology program. His generous gift enabled Goodwin College to continue to provide practical education in several areas of technology, applied management and liberal studies to all students.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Nitsch; his children, Joanna, John and Robert Goodwin; grandchildren; and great-granddaughters.

An ardent believer in peaceful co-existence, his personal anthem was John Lennon's "Imagine." Richard Goodwin will live on in the people who knew and loved him, and in the lives and institutions he touched through his generosity. We share in the sorrow and loss of this great citizen of the world.