~Wtt&1 - - Hoover Library

The President's ColumnTribute toMany will -remember "Uncle John" (left) at this alumniTwo Trustees Whiteford (right) during the mid-century convocation.banquet and Mr.Since the writing of my last column for THE MAGA-ZINE, Western Maryland has lost by death two of itsmost valued trustees-Roger J. Whiteford on November27, 1965, at the age of 79, and John H. Cunningham onDecember 31, 1965, just five and a half hours beforehis 99th birthday. Both men were graduates of WesternMaryland-Mr. Whiteford in 1906 and Mr. Cunninghamin 1885; and both bad rendered long and devoted serviceon the Board-Mr. Whiteford since 1934 and Mr.Cunningham since 1914.After graduation from coJlege, Mr. Whiteford taughtin the public schools of Montgomery County for a fewyears while attending law school at night. He then gaveup teaching for the legal profession and began practicingin the Nation's Capital where he became one ofWashington's most distinguished attorneys and the seniorpartner in the law firm of v~hi~eford, Hart, .C~rmody& Wilson. A leader in the District Bar ASSOCiatIon,hewas given the Association's Distinguished Service Awardten years ago. Throughout his care.er, he served. as directorof many prominent corporations where hIS keenmind, sound judgment and good business sense wereinvaluable.His great love and chief avocattonal interest was hisAhna Mater. He served the Board of Trustees in manycapacities and at the time of his death was its vice.chairman. In 1951 as National Chairman of WesternMaryland's Mid-Century Pr~gram, he le~ ~e College ina successful campaign to raise over a million dollars. Itwas at this time that he and 'his son, Joseph S. Whitefd '43 presented to tbe College the magnificent;olian-Slanner organ for Baker Memorial Chap~!.My. Cunningham (affectionately known as UnclepagetwoJohn") was employed as a clerk by the Fanners &Mechanics National Bank in 1885 while he was still asenior at Western Maryland. In due time he becameits president. When this bank merged with other Westminsterbanks in 1948, he became chairman of the boardof the newly created Carroll County National Bank.FollOWinganother consolidation in 1962, he was electedhonorary chairman of the board of the Carroll CountyBank & Trust Company. Thus, his entire career wasspent in banking and, recognized as the Dean of MarylandBankers, he received many honors in banking circl~sthroughout the State. Until a few weeks before Iusdeath, he was to be seen regularly at his desk everybanking day. Walking was his chief recreation and exercise,and even during these last years it was not unusualto see him on the highway taking a four or fivemile hike.His devotion to his Alma Mater across all these yearshas been an inspiration. Probably its oldest alumnus, ~ewas also the senior member of the Board of Trustees Interms of both age and years of service. During my tenureat the College, he never missed a board meeting, a commencement,or the annual alumni banquet. Those of youwho attended the 1964 banquet will never forget thedeep emotion that filled the room when he attemptedwith my help to read his high tribute to Western Marylandand his hopes for its future.Both of these men represented Western Marylandleadership at its best. Loyalty, devotion, generosity andpride marked their relationship to the College. Ourmemory of them is an inspiration to those of us whofollow in their train.LOWELLS. ENSOR