Reunion Weekend ’08 E C O N N E C T I N G
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ANDREA HANSEN
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Reunion Weekend Dedications
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he headmaster who chartered the school through one of the most trying times in its history, a past parent and generous benefactor who donated a pool to provide students “the opportunity for greater development of body and character,” and a mother who envisioned a better life for her son all were honored during dedication ceremonies on May 17. Diman North Dormitory was renamed Eccles Hall in memory of Dr. Willet Lawrence Eccles, the fifth headmaster of St. George’s, who served from 1943 to 1951. Eccles is credited with doubling enrollment, in part by providing financial
aid to a more diverse student population, and financially stabilizing the school after a long period of economic decline. The newly gained open space between the library and the Arden Diman dormitory complex was officially dedicated as Behrend Quad in memory of Ernst and Mary Behrend P’28. Ernst, an avid swimmer, donated the old Behrend Pool in 1923. And The Flora A. Hall Bench, placed on the portico of the new Eccles Hall, was dedicated in memory of the mother of Rudy Bethea ’87. Bethea attended St. George’s through the A Better Chance program, which provides scholarships to inner-city students to attend independent schools.
Top: Nancy Eccles Roome, daughter of Willet L. Eccles, the fifth headmaster of St. George’s (1943-51)—along with Technology Operations Specialist and dormitory head Ed McGinnis and dorm prefect Hank Myers ’10—cuts the ribbon for the dedication of Eccles Hall. Middle: Bill Sayre, grandson of Ernst and Mary Behrend, unveils the “Crawl” sculpture during the Behrend Quad dedication on Reunion Weekend. Bottom: The Flora A. Hall bench, donated by her son Rudy Bethea ’87 (unable to attend the ceremony)—family members Kenneth Tibbs, Sharon Hardy, Shaquille Hardy, Joyce Burwell and Terence Hardy were at St. George’s for the dedication.
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S T. G E O R G E ’ S 2 0 0 8 S U M M E R B U L L E T I N