Fund will honor late Bates economist Aschauer

The Cape Elizabeth (Maine) Land Trust announced July 26 the establishment of the 113 Fund to honor the life and work of David Alan Aschauer, the late Elmer W. Campbell Professor of Economics at Bates.

The CELT said that 10 percent of the net proceeds from this year’s Aug. 19 Tri for Preservation — a sprint triathlon, duathlon and aquabike event to benefit the land trust — will be donated to the fund. Additionally, Aschauer’s family will match all contributions dollar for dollar up to the first $1,500. The proceeds of the fund will be given to Bates to support research and internships in the economics department.

Athlete participants in the race may contribute to the fund when they register for the Tri for Preservation. Contributions may also be made on the CELT website.

A leading economist, Aschauer was also an athlete who loved the natural world, including the beauty of Cape Elizabeth. He was competing in the August 2011 Tri for Preservation when he suffered physical distress while swimming off Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth. He was rescued but subsequently passed away.

Aschauer raced in the event wearing bib No. 113. His daughter, Erika Rodrigue of Augusta, Maine, will race No. 113 in his honor at this year’s Tri for Preservation.

As a tribute to his life and to ensure continued learning from his personal and professional teachings, the land trust partnered with Aschauer’s family and Bates to create the 113 Fund.

“We wanted to remember Professor Aschauer and his work in an appropriate way,” said Ted Darling, President of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust. “We worked with David’s family and Bates to establish the 113 Fund as a lasting tribute to his work.”

Aschauer was known as a fine teacher, scholar, adviser and colleague. Bates Dean of the Faculty Pam Baker ’70 said at the time of his death that he was “revered at Bates and throughout his profession.”