The Story
Four Alumni Receive Awards
On February 5th, four alumni of the college received the honorable Alumni Medallion. According to William and Mary bylaws, the Alumni Medallion is the highest and most prestigious award the William and Mary Alumni Association can bestow on a graduate of the College of William and Mary. The 2010 recipients included Waverly M. Cole (’50), W. Samuel Sadler (’64 M.Ed.), Nicholas J. St. George (’60, J.D. ’65), Earl L. Young (’59). Each of these recipients have prospered in the years since graduation and have given back to William and Mary in different capacities.
The first recipient of the award was Waverly M. Cole who passed away in August. Dr. Cole was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha in his time here at the College, and after he graduated he attended the Medical College of Virginia. Throughout his life Dr. Cole was a successful anesthesiologist and a generous philanthropist. In regard to William and Mary, Cole helped establish the Cole International Studies Scholarship, the Cole Charitable Remainder Unitrust, and was a member of both the James Blair and Sir Robert Boyle Legacy societies as well as being the name sake for the Cole Gardens which are outside of the Alumni House. Dr. Cole’s award was introduced by Marilyn Entwisle and was accepted by his 50 year life partner Dr. John Cook.
The second to receive the medallion was the well-known alumni Sam Sadler. After graduating from the college in 1964 and receiving his masters in education in 1971, Mr. Sadler has served many positions at the College including Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dean of Men, Dean of Students, and Vice President for Student affairs. During his 41 years of at the College, Sam Sadler has won the admiration of students, faculty and administrators alike. Retiring from full-time obligations in 2008, Sadler has remained active around campus while increasing time spent with friends and family. Sadler accepted his award in person and was introduced by George Srour.
Nicholas St. George was the third recipient at the ceremony. While at William and Mary St. George was a member of Kappa Alpha and ROTC, as well as having worked at a local eatery. After studying law at the William and Mary Law School, St. George joined an investment banking company before transferring to Oakwood Homes and eventually becoming its CEO. At William and Mary St. George is active in the Chancellors’s Circle, the President’s Council, the Endowment Association, as well as serving on the President of the College’s Law School’s Board of Trustees and the Mason School of Business board. St. George was introduced by Raymond Mason and accepted the medallion himself.
The final recipient of the medallion recipient was Earl L. “Tuggy” Young. Young, like Mr. St. George, was also a member of Kappa Alpha and worked in establishments around campus to pay for his tuition. With a degree in economics, Young found his way to Newport News Shipbuilding and worked his way through their ranks ending up as the manager of cost engineering. In relation to William and Mary, Young has held multiple positions in the Alumni Board of Directors and on the Athletic Educational Foundation board, as well as being a member of the Order of the White Jacket. Young was introduced by William Armbruster and accepted his medallion in person.