1999 Recipient
James N. Heald II
Jim Heald, able businessman, consummate trustee and concerned citizen, you have been instrumental in helping WPI deliver one of the world's best technologically-oriented educations effectively and with style, leaving a mark on this institution that will endure for generations.
Following in the footsteps of your grandfather (founder of Heald Machine Company), your father and three uncles, all of whom attended WPI, you have served this university with distinction. In your 31 years on WPI's Board of Trustees, you consistantly demontrated an attention to detail, a constant demand for excellence, and a thorough evaluation of every challenge that came before the board.
One has only to look around the campus to see your influence. You provided critical oversight for the construction of the Ellsworth/Fuller complex, Founders Hall and Fuller Laboratories, the renovations of most of our academic buildings, and the closing of West Street. Most recently, you carefully steered the new campus center through program development and architectural design, helping turn a dream of generations of students into a reality.
As you left the board last year, WPI's endowment was the 146th largest among the nation's 3,600 colleges and universities. Your many contributions to that success story include your own gifts. As a member of the board's Investment Committee, you carefully husbanded the endowment and were instrumental in selecting the best possible investment managers and asset allocation formulas. You did the homework necessary to assure that the best investment decisions were being made for WPI. By sometimes playing the role of the contrarian, you encouraged others to thoroughly evaluate every situation and bring every issue to an effective resolution.
Your service to WPI is but one aspect of your involvement in the Worcester community. In your leadership of Heald Machine and your involvement in other charitable, civic and arts groups, you have motivated others to reach for the stars. WPI and Worcester are stronger today because of you.
It is with much pride and honor that WPI and the Alumni Association recognize your numerous contributions to this university with the 1999 WPI Award.
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