Campaign St. Lawrence Dinner Presentation at Celebration
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Larry Winston

What great fun it is for me to be able to speak to this group of alumni and friends of the university. You have done so much to make so many changes to the face and course of this institution in such a short period of time.

I have a little tale to relate to you:

On a beautiful morning this past February as I left the Brush Alumni House on my way to the board meeting and looked across the campus toward Dean Eaton I was literally stopped short as I saw an American flag wavering from atop the iron works framing the news student center. Never before had a flag flown in that location and never again will a flag be absent from that view.

I tell this true story to remind all of you and us that Campaign SL has permanently transformed the university making it possible to bring new buildings, new programs and new dynamic people to the campus. The campaign lasted only a few short years but its results are everywhere. It reminds me that everyday, the work we do together and the gifts we make together affect this place in small and large ways forever.

A campaign of this magnitude requires much planning, hard work and execution to succeed. Bruce has already thanked several folks that played a key role I want to thank a few more:

First, I want to thank my colleague and classmate, Chairman Emeritus Bruce Benedict for his leadership of a campaign that has had historic implications. Bruce, for you to assume the campaign chair role after your long service as board chair was remarkable. We all appreciate your energy, loyalty, tenacity, humor and generosity. Because of your hard work and Ann’s loyal support, St. Lawrence will be forever a better place and we thank you.

Chairman Emeritus Ed Wilson successfully brought us to the end of our first part of our campaign and then encouraged us to dream beyond that goal. At times of adversity during his six years of leadership (and there were some) he urged the board of trustees not to lose confidence in themselves, the alumni, parents and friends of St. Lawrence by repeating the mantra ‘Don’t blink’. His steadfast commitment to the goal soothed our fears and urged us on. Ed, to you and Betsy, we say a heartfelt thanks.

Finally, we all know that when the histories of campaigns are written, whether they be military or financial, it is the generals that receive all of the acclaim. Think about it, there haven’t been too many words written about the eleven other George Pattons that fought in WW II or the five Douglas Macarthurs either even though they did as much as they could to achieve the common goal.

I want to make sure that the real heroes of our university’s campaign success don’t go un-noticed here tonight as without their---your---help, none of this could have happened.

So, let me, on behalf of my fellow trustees, the staff and administration, the faculty, and all our students, make sure that you are properly thanked for all you did to make this effort such a success. Whether you are a trustee, an alum, a campaign volunteer or just a good friend of the university we thank you for helping us make St. Lawrence a better place and believe that those who come after us will recognize how important your help has been. Please join me in giving yourselves a hand, you deserve it.