WPI Journal - The Magazine for WPI Alumni

SPRING 2014

The Alumni Magazine for Worcester Polytechnic Institute. (WPI)

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Spring 2014 53 Complete obituaries can usually be found through newspapers, websites, legacy.com, and similar indexes. WPI will share details on the "completed careers" of friends and classmates, if available. To request further information, contact jkmiller@wpi.edu or call 508-831-5998. in memory In a 2011 interview with WPI, Leonard White clearly recalled his earning power while he was a student at WPI—50 cents an hour—which paid his annual tuition bill of $320. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, White took a position with the Public Service Electric and Gas Company of New Jersey for a 44 percent pay increase to 72 cents an hour. In 1943, with the United States engaged in World War II, White enlisted in the Navy as an engineer offcer and served in the Pacifc Theater, eventually as an executive offcer and navigator. At the close of his service, White returned home and in 1946 began working for the family business, R. H. White Construction Co., located in Auburn, Mass. He was president from 1960 to 1989, served as chairman of the board from 1989 to 2010, and as chairman emeritus since 2010. When his son, David White '75, enrolled at WPI, Len White became more involved with the life of his alma mater. He served on reunion committees and as a class agent, participated in fundraising initiatives, and attended many WPI events over the years. During his time on the Annual Fund Board, he established the President's Advisory Council, which evolved into the President's Circle, WPI's leadership group of annual donors. This group started with 30 members and has grown to several hundred each year. White served as a WPI trustee from 1977 to 1992, earning emeritus status in 1992. The WPI Alumni Association recognized his contributions to the university in 1981 with the Herbert F. Taylor Award for Distinguished Service. "Len White left an indelible mark on WPI through his dedication to his alma mater and his generosity of spirit," says WPI President Phil Ryan '65. "Len and his late wife, Ann, visited campus often over the years and attended his reunions, and it was always a pleasure to see them. He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the WPI community." White was among WPI's most generous supporters. His gifts to the university include the Leonard and Ann White Endowed Scholarship Fund, which honors White's late wife and represents his gratitude for her support during their life together. Len proposed to Ann on Earle Bridge, and WPI remained an integral part of their lives. The Whites also established the Ralph H. White Scholarship Fund and, with David, the Ralph H. White Professorship in Civil Engineering in 1987. The professorship is currently held by Rajib Mallick. White was honored as a member of the 1865 Society, recognizing lifetime giving to WPI of $1 million to $2.5 million. Leonard White died Jan. 14, 2014. He is survived by his four children: Susan Premo and her husband, Walter Premo; Janie Larson and her husband, Bruce Larson; David White '75, MS '76, MBA '84 and his wife, Shirley White; and Wendy Bowen and her husband, Nicholas Bowen. He also leaves nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Leonard H. White '41 Trustee Emeritus, Dedicated Volunteer and Supporter Retired head softball coach George LeGacy Worcester native George W. LeGacy Jr. spent 11 years at WPI (including eight as head coach), retiring in 2013. He died Jan. 13, 2014, leaving a legacy of 101 wins for WPI. "In addition to his coaching accolades, the 'Chief' was a true friend to all of WPI's student-athletes, teams, coaches, and co-workers, as well as a true ambassador to the entire university," says WPI sports information director Rusty Eggen. LeGacy guided the Crimson and Gray to two of their three highest win totals, including a school-best 24-16 mark in 2012. Under his tutelage, the Engineers qualifed for the NEWMAC Tournament in 2009 and 2012, sported a NEWMAC Rookie of the Year in 2011, and had six players named all-conference. His players also enjoyed success in the classroom, earning Academic All-NEWMAC honors a total of 31 times and had fve Co-SIDA Academic All-District 1 frst team selections. Predeceased by his wife, Patricia E. (Moynihan) LeGacy, he leaves two children. WPI_Spring14_Obits.indd 53 3/9/14 2:17 PM

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