Making a Difference

“There is an old adage that if you have a good experience in school, college, or fraternity, you should put something back,” says William C. “Bill” Buck ’50, executive vice president, TDH Capital Corp., Radnor, Pa.

Just one example of the ways he has given back, along with his late brother J. Alexander “Whip” Buck ’53, is through his fraternity, Zeta Psi. In 1988, Bill received the International Zeta Psi Distinguished Service Award for his support and leadership. More recently, he provided a major contribution to Zeta Psi, Tau Chapter’s gift of the new stone gateway sign at the corner of College Avenue and McCartney Street, part of a larger project to enhance, beautify, and define major entryways to the campus.

Bill Buck ’50 and wife Laura were presented with an illustration of the family’s gifts to the College on Oct. 16 during a reception in their honor at Skillman Library.

Quietly, Bill and his wife, Laura Buck, as well as other Buck family members have worked to support the areas of the College that have meant the most to them. They have been generous supporters for nearly 100 years, beginning with J. Mahlon Buck ’21, who was awarded an honorary degree in 1964. Mahlon was president of Smith, Kline & French, Inc., Philadelphia, which became GlaxoSmithKline in 2001. The Buck legacy continued with support from Mahlon’s wife, Grace. After that, Bill and Whip carried on the tradition. Bill, the last remaining member of the immediate family with ties to the College, along with Laura as a steadfast supporter, carries on for his brother and father.

The Bucks have contributed their support to music, arts, and sports programs as well as Skillman Library. The endowments and years of establishment include the J. Mahlon Buck Library Fund (1959), Buck Concert Series (1970), and Buck Family Endowment Fund for Music (1981) by Grace and her sons. The squash courts in Allan P. Kirby Sports Center were named in their honor for support of the center, which was dedicated in 2000.

Bill, an economics graduate, former Board Associate, and chair of the Annual Fund for several years, also has volunteered as alumni chapter council representative, alumni chapter council executive committee, and phonathon volunteer. In the 1970s, Bill played alto saxophone in the Zeta Psi Dixieland Band. He also has given generously of his time when called upon to offer his guidance and leadership at critical junctures for the College.