Robert Waidner graduated from Dickinson College with the class of 1932, in the midst of the “great depression”. Since his father had died when he was a very young child, he was only able to attend college through a scholarship, funded by an 1882 graduate and trustee “whose active service and generosity became a model for his own long and productive relationship” with Dickinson College.
After graduation, he went on to become a successful businessman and was a veteran of World War II. He joined Dickinson’s board of trustees in 1948, serving as an active trustee until 1997 and remained as an emeritus trustee until his death in 1999. In addition to his board service, he frequently sponsored gatherings related to alumni, fund-raising and student recruitment.
Over the years, Dickinson College recognized his generous philanthropy by naming two buildings in his honor – the Robert A. Widner Admissions House and the Waidner-Spahr Library.
In 1995, Dickinson College bestowed an honorary degree on Mr. Waidner at which time he was “cited for using his business acumen to multiply the assets of charities and foundations, firmly believing that service, dedication and philanthropy are highly important and deeply rooted elements of American society”.
In a 1999 obituary, President Durden remembered Robert Waidner for his “stalwart allegiance and exceptional generosity”.
In memory of
Robert A. Waidner, Class of 1932
Status
Active
Tree Species
NA
Location
Founders Hall (Memorial Hall Entrance - Old West)
