by Shirley Schou Bacot ‘58 Chair, Wells College Board of Trustees 

I am delighted to join you for this historic re-dedication of Weld House. Fifty years ago, the cornerstone for the new dormitory, to be named Weld House, was laid after baccalaureate services at Commencement. A wonderful new facility greeted students at the start of the fall 1948 term.

Weld quickly became a central part of the campus community. Wells women who have been lucky enough to live here have found that this building’s elegance and grandeur greatly enhanced the college experience. Now, new generations of women will benefit.

We are deeply grateful to President Weld and his family. Their commitment to liberal education in a nurturing community that supports the personal development of each individual is a part of the Wells tradition to this day.

We are joined on this occasion by members of the Weld family whom I wish to recognize. First, we have the daughters: Helen Weld Nesbitt ‘32 and Frances Weld Shaffer ‘37. The grandchildren: William Ernest Weld III, Francie Nesbitt Oppel ‘64, Mimi Nesbitt Kingsley, Susan Shaffer Morrison, Elenitsa Weld Harding, John Shaffer, and Martha Weld Hamaker and her husband, Fred. The great grandchildren: Phillip Hanoian, Jonas Shaffer, and Daniel Shaffer. And a favorite aunt to all the children: Jean McMillen Jones ‘32. Thank you so much for being with us today.

In his inaugural address, President Weld expressed his hope that the college would remain a home and that each student would develop her own philosophy of life. Building upon Henry Wells’ ideal of a nurturing environment, he set the standard for academic excellence that established Wells’ reputation as a leading liberal arts college throughout this century.

He and his wife, Margaret Elder Weld, took up residence in what was then known as Taylor Hall. They saw to it that the name was changed, more appropriately, to Taylor House. Both Weld daughters, Helen ‘32 and Frances ‘37, were married there.

During his tenure, Wells celebrated its 75^th anniversary and experienced steady growth despite the recent Depression and the advent of World War II. Indeed, the community flourished thanks to his belief in the importance of student involvement. Wells women became more active in clubs and organizations, had a greater voice in curriculum planning, and found fun and responsibility in true self-governance.

Upon this solid foundation - symbolized so perfectly by the blending of tradition and innovation found in the refurbished Weld House - we will advance this college’s greatness in a new century. The Weld family name forever reminds us of the highest standards in the liberal arts and our support for Wells students and their abilities.

Delivered Friday, May 29, 1998, outside Weld House on the Wells campus.