Richard C. Sinopoli, an associate professor of political science at the University of California, Davis, known for his scholarship on American political theory, drowned May 3 while in Kauai. He was 40. He was on a university sabbatical leave this spring quarter and was on vacation for one week in Hawaii when the accident occurred. He taught and researched legal philosophy and political theory, specializing recently on the tensions between liberalism and nationalism, and liberal neutrality. Political science department chair Larry Berman regarded Sinopoli as one of the country's most exceptional young political theorists who was widely respected for his research accomplishments and teaching. "Rich was, in every respect, a gem," said Berman. "His research was exemplary, and he was a dedicated teacher with a very active university service record. He was an esteemed, cheerful and generous colleague." He joined the UC Davis political science department in 1988. A native of New York, Professor Sinopoli earned his doctoral degree from New York University. He held a master's degree in political science, also from New York University, and a bachelor's degree from State University of New York, Binghamton. Professor Sinopoli was slated to become chair of the political science department beginning July 1. During his academic years, he received a number of national honors and awards, beginning with the Leo Strauss Award for the best political theory dissertation of 1987. His book, "The Foundations of American Citizenship: Liberalism, the Constitution and Civic Virture," was honored by the American Political Science Association as the best book published in political theory in 1992. Georgetown University Press recently published his book "From Many, One: Readings in American Political and Social Thought." The professor served on the UC Davis Administrative Advisory Committee for Arts and Lectures beginning in 1995 and was a member of the committee until his death. The committee offers recommendations to guide the selection of artists to be brought to campus and the region by UC Davis Presents and supports such programming through marketing, fund raising and outreach efforts. This year he had been serving as chair of the fund-raising subcommittee. Professor Sinopoli also served as acting director of the UC Davis Washington Center for one year beginning in 1993. In addition, he served as the graduate program director the last two years in the political science department. He was also a Faculty Fellow at the Davis Humanities Institute in 1995. He was a member of the American Political Science Association and Phi Beta Kappa. Professor Sinopoli is survived by one brother, Gregory Sinopoli; two sisters, Flavia Sinopoli and Carla Sinopoli, all of New York. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.