St. Lawrence University received $1.5M from the Stradlings

CANTON, N.Y. (WWTI) – Richard “Dick” ’64 and Gail Stradling have made a $1.5 million gift to St. Lawrence University to create an endowment to permanently fund the position of executive director of the new Center for the Environment.

The Center builds on research, teaching and experiential learning opportunities to empower the next generation of leaders and develop the skills necessary to be agents of change in their communities and around the world.

“ From the moment we heard President Morris speak about the Center for the Environment, Gail and I were thrilled about what it could mean for both the University and the student body ,” says Dick Stradling. “ We appreciated President Morris’ vision, which matched our passion for the outdoors, including our stays at camp Canaras when our children were young. We hope that by endowing this key leadership position now, we can make an immediate impact while helping to secure the future of the Center .”

The University is close to concluding a national search for what will now be named the Richard ’64 and Gail Stradling Executive Director of the Center for the Environment . Final candidates for the role are currently being interviewed.

“ So much of the success of a strategic initiative like the Center for the Environment hinges on the leadership and vision of the person at the helm ,” says University President Kate Morris. “ Through their incredibly generous gift, Dick and Gail have recognized the pivotal role our first executive director will play in realizing the Center’s ambitious goals. They have been strong, committed supporters of St. Lawrence for well over two decades and we could not be more grateful for their continued trust and remarkable partnership .”

The Stradlings established the Stradling Student Research Endowment in 1998 to support undergraduate opportunities for outstanding chemistry students. In 2003, the Stradlings also made significant gifts during the construction of Johnson Hall of Science.

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