A portrait of former law school dean John DiPippa commemorating his 30 years of service at the UALR William H. Bowen School of Law was unveiled recently, celebrating his success as dean and his subsequent return to the classroom.

The title of dean emeritus was conferred to DiPippa during the celebration by Interim Provost Sandra Robertson.

DiPippa joined the UALR faculty as a professor of law in 1983. Since then, he has served the school as associate dean from 1990 to 1993 and again from 2001 to 2008. DiPippa was appointed interim dean July 1, 2008 and served in that capacity until his appointment as dean Feb. 13, 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree at West Chester University in 1974 and his JD from Washington and Lee in 1978.

Before unveiling the oil portrait, organizers of the event jokingly “unveiled” a giant photo of a college-aged DiPippa. The real portrait was hung in the Coyne Deans Gallery.