Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa

A native Rhode Islander, Tella is known for an array of talents. An economics graduate of the University of Rhode Island in 1955 and New York University’s Stern School of Business in 1957, Tella’s expertise goes far beyond the development and utilization of the highest-level economic models and well into academia and the arts.

Tella began his career as an economist for the Conference Board in New York City, then moved to the Federal Reserve Board. Specializing in labor markets and forecasting, Tella developed several unique econometric models that had substantial impact on economic analysis and policy development in the United States. He was also part of the team that constructed the agency’s first large-scale structural model of the U.S. economy, which became a major instrument for the nation’s monetary policy.

In 1969, Tella became research professor of economics at Georgetown University. He continued research on welfare reform and was tapped to serve as adviser to the Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau. In 1978 he received the National Service Award of the Institute for Socioeconomic Studies for his research on labor and welfare economics. His research was widely published and his economics opinions appeared in top publications nationwide.

Throughout his expansive economics career, Tella also kept his fingers on the ivory keys and computer keyboard. He wrote many piano and voice compositions and is the author of several popular fantasy novels, Sundered Soul, The Willing Spirit (with Piers Anthony), and Zuralia Dreaming.

Tella will be awarded the Doctor of Science, honoris causa. At the Commencement ceremony, Tella’s sister, Janet Toomey, will stand in onTella’s behalf to receive his Honorary degree.