Class of 1961 caps Wooster's annual "gathering of the clans" with $3 million gift

More than 1,100 Scots return home for Alumni Weekend 2011

View the Alumni Weekend 2011 Photo Gallery.

WOOSTER, Ohio, June 12, 2011 - More than 1,100 Wooster alumni, family members, and guests—including ten members of the Class of 1941 and 13 from the Class of 1946—returned to campus this weekend to break bread with old friends, swap stories, and renew ties with the college they love. The Class of 1961 celebrated their 50th reunion and on their behalf Niki Healey Jordan of the reunion planning committee presented President Grant Cornwell with a class gift of just over $3 million.

The presentation took place during the 127th meeting of the Alumni Association on Saturday morning. The Class of 1986, celebrating their 25th reunion, announced a gift of almost $82,000. Michael Lauber ’80 and Elizabeth Van Cleef Lauber ’81 received the John D. McKee Alumni Volunteer Award for their unstinting service to the college.

“What little we’ve given to Wooster pales in comparison to what Wooster has given us,” Michael Lauber said. “We’re honored to receive this award, but even more honored to be life-long Scots.”

On behalf of the Alumni Board, President Erika Poethig ’93 and Charles Ryan ’86 announced the establishment of the Sara L. Patton Stewardship Award, to honor the extraordinary career and accomplishments of Sally Patton, who will step down as Wooster’s vice president for development later this month after more than 30 years of service to her alma mater.

Following the conclusion of the annual meeting, the parade of classes kicked off, led by two pipers. They were augmented, midway down the line of march, by a member of the Class of 1966, who brought his own pipes and provided accompaniment for the back half of the procession. The parade wended its way across campus and through Kauke Arch to Scheide Music Center, where the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented to David Dunlop ’73, Clarence R. “Reggie” Williams ’63, and Jack A. Wilson ’61 and Angene Hopkins Wilson ’61.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for excellence in teaching and a curriculum built around mentored undergraduate research. Every Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty adviser to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 2,000 students.