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Dear Westminster Community and Friends,
Word came to me today of the passing of Westminster’s 17th President Dr. J. Harvey Saunders, who guided and protected the mission of our College from 1977-1992. When any great man or woman passes, the world stops for an instant to reflect on the achievements and experiences of that life because of the need in all of us to find meaning in our existence. An examination of Harvey Saunders reveals a truly rich life, one I admire as the current President of Westminster. In spite of the problems of his time, he never lost track of what a world class institution Westminster could be and worked tirelessly to make it so.
He came to the presidency at a time of great challenge. Enrollment was the lowest it had been in eight years. Finances were weak. Yet he was not afraid to make daring changes. Under his leadership, Westminster College became a co-educational institution in 1979. Making that happen and the resistance that came with it was not an easy transition for this College, but President Saunders persevered and saw it through.
Under his leadership the financial situation of the College turned around. He increased the endowment by $5.6 million. He oversaw a successful Futures Campaign of $10 million.
During his watch, facilities improved. Hunter Activity Center was built. A new tennis complex and baseball field were built. Reeves Library was expanded.
But most of all, he brought the attention of the world back to this small liberal arts college as the epicenter of thought for world leaders. He hosted President Ronald Reagan when the landmark sculpture “Breakthrough” was dedicated on our campus. His administration ended with the symbolic conclusion of the Cold War on the very spot where it had been announced with the visit of Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. He presided over a procession of world luminaries who brought their messages here. The list includes President Gerald Ford, Vice President George Bush, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, Attorney General Griffin Bell, CIA Director William Casey, Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, and Clare Boothe Luce.
In his inaugural address, President Saunders predicted that “an age of change” was coming …“an age of revolution.” He did not disappoint. Well done, good and faithful servant of Westminster College. Farewell and Godspeed.
Benjamin Ola. Akande
President, Westminster College
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