Dick Celeste facts for kids
Richard Frank Celeste, born on November 11, 1937, is an American who has held many important jobs. He was a diplomat, a university leader, and a politician from Ohio. As a member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 64th governor of Ohio from 1983 to 1991. He was the last Democrat to be re-elected as Ohio's governor.
Quick facts for kids
Dick Celeste
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Cropped portion of 1982 Celeste in '82 campaign poster
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| United States Ambassador to India | |
| In office November 28, 1997 – April 25, 2001 |
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| President | Bill Clinton George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Frank G. Wisner |
| Succeeded by | Robert Blackwill |
| 64th Governor of Ohio | |
| In office January 10, 1983 – January 14, 1991 |
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| Lieutenant | Myrl Shoemaker (Vacant 1985–1987) Paul Leonard |
| Preceded by | Jim Rhodes |
| Succeeded by | George Voinovich |
| Director of the Peace Corps | |
| In office April 27, 1979 – January 20, 1981 |
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| President | Jimmy Carter |
| Preceded by | Carolyn R. Payton |
| Succeeded by | Loret Ruppe |
| 55th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio | |
| In office January 13, 1975 – January 8, 1979 |
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| Governor | Jim Rhodes |
| Preceded by | John Brown |
| Succeeded by | George Voinovich |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 5th district |
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| In office January 3, 1971 – December 31, 1974 |
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| Preceded by | Mark C. Schinnerer |
| Succeeded by | Francine Panehal |
| 12th President of Colorado College | |
| In office 2002 – July 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Kathryn Mohrman |
| Succeeded by | Jill Tiefenthaler |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard Frank Celeste
November 11, 1937 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses |
Dagmar Braun
(m. 1962; div. 1995)Jacqueline Lundquist
(m. 1995) |
| Children | 7 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Exeter College, Oxford |
Contents
Early Life and Career
Richard Celeste was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. His father, Frank Palm Celeste, was born in Italy. Richard graduated from Lakewood High School in 1955.
In 1959, he graduated with high honors from Yale University. He then received a special Rhodes Scholarship to study at Exeter College, Oxford in England. There, he met Dagmar Ingrid Braun, and they married in Austria in 1962.
After returning to the United States, Celeste worked for the Peace Corps. This organization helps people in other countries. He also served as a special assistant to Chester Bowles.
Ohio House of Representatives
Celeste was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1970. His district included parts of Cleveland and Lakewood. His father had once been the mayor of Lakewood.
Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
In 1974, Celeste was elected the 55th lieutenant governor of Ohio. He served under Governor Jim Rhodes, who was from a different political party. At that time, the governor and lieutenant governor were elected separately.
In 1978, Celeste ran for governor but lost to Jim Rhodes. President Jimmy Carter then appointed Celeste to lead the Peace Corps. He was in charge of programs in 53 countries from 1979 to 1981.
Governor of Ohio
In 1982, Richard Celeste became the governor of Ohio. He won against other candidates, including Jerry Springer. In 1986, he was re-elected, defeating former governor James Rhodes. Celeste served as governor from 1983 to 1991. In 1988, he led the Midwestern Governors Association.
Key Achievements as Governor
As governor, Celeste worked to improve many areas in Ohio.
- He increased support for important services like mental health and addiction recovery.
- He also provided more money for education and children's services.
- He even helped create onsite daycare for state employees.
Before Celeste, Ohio was behind many other states in funding these programs. He and the state legislature increased the state income tax to help pay for these improvements.
Celeste was also known for giving many government jobs to African Americans and women. He hired more women for important cabinet positions than all previous governors combined. He also allowed state employee unions to negotiate their wages and benefits.
During his time as governor, the Governor's Residence became a place for art exhibits and music concerts. The First Lady also hosted spiritual gatherings. Christmas and Hanukkah parties were held for neighborhood children. The gardens at the Residence were also improved with private donations.
After Being Governor
After leaving the governor's office, Celeste started a consulting firm. In 1993, he worked on a healthcare campaign for the Democratic National Committee.
United States Ambassador to India
President Bill Clinton appointed Celeste as the United States Ambassador to India. He served in this important role from 1997 to 2001.
Celeste is also involved with several other groups. He is on the advisory board of the Roosevelt Institution, a student think tank. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He helps lead the Homeland Security Project for The Century Foundation. He also advises the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM), which is a military command for the USA.
In 2020, Celeste and another former governor, Bob Taft, were asked to help Ohio expand COVID-19 testing during the pandemic.
President of Colorado College
In 2002, Richard Celeste became the 12th President of Colorado College.
Accomplishments at Colorado College
During his time as president, Celeste helped raise $200 million. This money was used for campus improvements and scholarships. These scholarships helped students from disadvantaged backgrounds and minority groups.
Other achievements included:
- Adding 20 new full-time teaching positions.
- A big increase in the number of students applying to the college.
- Making the college more selective, meaning it accepted fewer applicants.
Celeste also oversaw major renovations of campus buildings. He also helped build the Edith Kinney Gaylord Cornerstone Arts Center. He worked to bring the community and the college closer together. He led several local and national groups focused on public policy and education.
Celeste retired as President of Colorado College in July 2011. He was replaced by Jill Tiefenthaler.
Personal Life
Richard Celeste had six children with his first wife, Dagmar. They divorced in 1995. Celeste is now married to Jacqueline Lundquist, and they have one child named Sam. He has 13 grandchildren.
His brother, Ted Celeste, also served in the Ohio House of Representatives.
In 2022, Celeste published his autobiography, In the Heart of it All: An Unvarnished Account of My Life in Public Service.
Legacy
Several places are named in honor of Richard Celeste:
- The Celeste Center at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair in Columbus, Ohio.
- The Richard F. Celeste Laboratory of Chemistry at Ohio State University.
- The Richard F. Celeste Theater at the Cornerstone Arts Center of Colorado College.
See also
- Ohio gubernatorial elections
