Duncan Whelen Van Dusen, emeritus associate secretary of the University of Pennsylvania, died on April 21 from genetically related blood cancer. He was 81.

Mr. Van Dusen graduated cum laude from Princeton University in 1958 and earned his master’s of public health from Columbia University in 1961. He was an officer in the U.S. Army, including three years spent as adjutant at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He received an Army Commendation Medal and a Department of the Army Certificate of Achievement for his service.

In 1969, Mr. Van Dusen joined the staff at the University of Pennsylvania as the assistant to the vice president for medical affairs. In 1972 he was named assistant to the dean of medicine, and in 1977 he became administrative vice chairman of the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation. He also served as coordinator of medical education for Philadelphia General Hospital, which later closed.

In 1989, he joined the Office of the University Secretary, where he served as secretary to the University Council. He served as a Commencement Marshal and was on the Penn’s Way campaign advisory committee. He managed the 25-Year Club, for which he served as secretary for many years, and also spearheaded the annual event. He was recognized at the 2013 dinner for “enhancing the University’s sense of community.” Although he retired in 2009, he remained active in the Penn community until his death. At his retirement, he was given emeritus status in recognition of his contributions.

Mr. Van Dusen was also very active outside of Penn. He volunteered for over 60 years interviewing candidates for admission to Princeton University, and he received the Princeton Alumni Council Award for Service in 2008. He was also a career service volunteer, P-Rade marshal, a mainstay of the Princeton Club of Philadelphia and a class secretary and solicitor. Outside the world of higher education, he served as president of the Bryn Mawr Civic Association and of the Federation of Lower Merion Civic Associations; a member of the Township of Lower Merion Civic Associations; on the board of Harriton House; and on the Board of Managers of Ralston Center. He was a member of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish and the Church of the Redeemer, and in 1996 was given the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Service Award.

Mr. Van Dusen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Libby); sons Edwin, Duncan and Nicholas; brother, Michael, and sister, Sally Van Dusen Johnson; and three grandsons and three granddaughters. There will be a memorial mass at Our Mother of Good Counsel at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Van Dusen Family Needs-Based Scholarship Fund at Princeton University, PO Box 5357, Princeton, NJ 08544-5357.