Four honored with W&M Alumni Medallion

Alumni medallions William & Mary President Taylor Reveley and Dr. John Cook pose with 2010 Alumni Medallion winners. Photo by Matthew Jarmer

by Eric Pesola | February 8, 2010

On Feb. 5, W. Samuel Sadler ’64, M.Ed. ’71, Nicholas St. George ’60, J.D. ’65 and Earl “Tuggy” Young ’59 were awarded the Alumni Medallion during a ceremony at the Sadler Center. Dr. Waverly Cole ’50 was awarded the Alumni Medallion posthumously. The Alumni Medallion is the highest award the William and Mary Alumni Association can bestow on a graduate. Recipients are recognized for their outstanding professional accomplishments, leadership and dedication to his or her community and commitment to their alma mater.

The following are comments from the award recipients:

“Waverly loved every brick, every leaf and every person on this campus,” said Dr. John Cook, Dr. Waverly Cole’s partner of more than 50 years. Cole is best remembered as a someone who made giving his lifelong goal . “I know Waverly would join me in great thanks and appreciation.”

“The people of William and Mary helped me craft a journey I never could have imagined,” said W. Samuel Sadler ’64, M.Ed. ’71, who served the College as Assistant dean of admissions, dean of men, dean of students and ultimately as vice president of Student Affairs. “What a tremendous honor to be a recipient of the Alumni Medallion.”

“I accept this honor with honor and great appreciation, great gratitude and great humility,” said Nicholas St. George ’60, J.D. ’65, who as the CEO of Oakwood Homes, built his company into a multi-million dollar corporation. “I owe William and Mary so much for the successes I have enjoyed in life.”

“There's always been something magical about this place to me,” said Earl “Tuggy” Young ’59, whose 36-year career Newport News Shipbuilding culminated with his position as manager of cost engineering. “I had a sense of belonging as a student that has continued to this day. Every day seems like Homecoming to me.”

Recipients of the award enjoyed a tribute video chronicling their service and dedication to William and Mary before accepting their award. Those videos can be seen at www.wmalumni.com/?video . William and Mary president Taylor Reveley was in attendance as well as other dignitaries. The group will also recognized during the College’s Charter Day ceremonies on Feb. 6.

Founded in 1842, the William and Mary Alumni Association is a separately incorporated nonprofit organization that encourages alumni of the College of William and Mary to remain active partners in the life of the university. The Alumni Association’s programs nurture friendships, inspire pride and build an appreciation among alumni for William and Mary’s long tradition of achievement. For more information about the Alumni Association, visit www.wmalumni.com.