September 18, 2014
Keith Wellin
Hamilton College life trustee and longtime benefactor of the college Keith Wellin ’50, GP ’11, ’14 passed away last Sunday morning, September 14, at the age of 88.
Wellin is perhaps best known by current students for his donation to the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, named in honor of his parents, which opened in 2012. He also made donations towards Wellin Hall in the Schambach Center, the Wellin Atrium in the Taylor Science Center and the Wellin Performance Courts in the Little Squash Center. His support also benefited Hamilton through gifts honoring Elizabeth McCormack (student scholarships), Eugene Tobin (endowed professorship) and Joseph Anderson ’44 (student internships).
“Those who had the privilege of knowing Keith remember a kind and gentle man who loved his family and his alma mater,” Stewart said in an email to the campus. His service to the College totaled four decades, including his time on the Board of Trustees and on the Investment Committee from 1988-1992. His parents inspired his love for the arts, especially his father, who was an amateur painter. He collected art as an adult, much of which he shared with the College in 2002 for the Hamilton Collects American Art exhibition.
In 1947, after serving in the Army for two years, Wellin came to Hamilton and earned a degree in English. He received his MBA from Harvard and went on to have a successful career on Wall Street. He is survived by his wife, Wendy.
Jonathan Vaughan
On Sept. 15, President Joan Hinde Stewart announced the passing of James L. Ferguson Professor of Psychology Jonathan Vaughan. Vaughan died the day before due to complications from pneumonia.
Vaughan, a Hamilton faculty member since 1971, received multiple grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Mental Health. He edited for professional journals including the Journal of Experimental Psychology. At Hamilton, Vaughan served on the Committee on Academic Policy and the Committee on Appointments and chaired the Psychology Department, most recently in 2010-11. “Jon represented the high ideals of a Hamilton faculty member,” Stewart declared.
The following is a sampling of memories and reflections offered by community members on the College website:
He was a great mentor, not only to students, but also to faculty like me, relatively new to Hamilton when he and I worked together on a senior fellowship on free will. I’ll miss him. We all will. –Professor of Philosophy Marianne Janack
Jon was always so generous with his time and happy to help both faculty and students with any problem, especially technological ones, given his technophilia. I smile to think of his whistling on his way down the hallway to avoid startling me out of my chair when he knocked on my office door. Jon loved music and playing his cello, and I have fond memories of accompanying him (and one of his former students, who played the violin) on the piano at my house. Jon also played a mean harmonica! His gentle, quiet presence, wry humor, and sage advice will be greatly missed. —Assosciate Professor of Psychology Jennifer Borton
Jon was a true gentleman who proved the value of being an engaged scholar in the classroom. His impact on the College curriculum and the lives of its students is palpable and enduring. And he was a good and genuine friend. —Maynard-Knox Professor of Government and Law Frank Anechiarico ’71
This is a terrible loss to the College, to his department, to his family. I’m so sad about Jon’s untimely death. —Professor of Religous Studies Heidi Ravven
What a loss—an immensely kind and honorable man, a valued leader, a dear soul. —Eugene M. Tobin Distinguished Professor of Sociology Dan Chambliss
Jon was a deeply decent and kind human being. He represented the very best of Hamilton College and will be much missed. —Edgar B. Graves Professor of History Alfred Kelly
I’ve known Jon since I joined the faculty in 1972. I’ve always admired him for his dedication, his integrity, and his generosity and kindness to colleagues and students alike. He represented the very best of Hamilton. —Edmund A. LeFevre Professor of English Emeritus John O’Neill
Jon was a great friend to NECC. He was one of the Psychology faculty who worked hard to establish the innovative collaboration between Hamilton and NECC. He brought a group of students to visit NECC annually since 2001. More than 80 Hamilton undergrads have completed internships at NECC: taking courses and working directly with children with autism. Additionally, Jon helped us to recruit 41 graduates(17 here now). They have done well and Jon was a mentor to most of them. His influence lives on and extends well beyond the Hill. A good friend, fine teacher and true man of science. —L. Vincent Strully Jr. ’69
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