Begley Says LWC is Still Mission-Focused and Stronger Than Ever at 2018 Founders' Day Celebration


John Begley KeynotePictured: The sixth president of LWC and Chancellor John B. Begley delivered the keynote address to a crowd of more than 300 guests last Thursday night at the college's annual Founders' Day Celebration, held in Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center. Begley, who served LWC from 1977-1997, thanked the college’s friends and donors and stressed the need for their continued support.

Lindsey Wilson College needs the support of it’s friends and donors as much today as it did back in 1978.

That was the message that keynote speaker John B. Begley told a crowd of more than 300 guests last Thursday night at the college's annual Founders' Day Celebration, held in Roberta D. Cranmer Dining & Conference Center. Begley, who now serves as chancellor of LWC, was the college’s sixth president from 1977-1997. He began his tenure during an uncertain time for LWC and helped to transform the struggling junior college into the vibrant liberal arts institution it is today.

Begley said that while Lindsey Wilson College is stronger than it’s ever been, gift income continues to be important to the life of the college.

“The more successful we become, the more dependent we will be on gift income,” said Begley. “I don’t imagine that will ever change. It hasn’t changed at Harvard. It hasn’t changed at Princeton. I don’t know of anywhere that’s ever changed.”

During his keynote, Begley recalled his first visit to LWC’s campus back in 1971. On that visit he heard then president, Dr. John Burns Horton speak at Founders' Day. Begley said that his speech will be something he never forgets.

“I remember him saying that students who come to LWC will forever live in a larger universe,” said Begley. “I found myself getting emotional tonight when I heard our student speakers and I think back to Dr. Horton. To paraphrase our student speakers, they too have said that because of Lindsey Wilson College, they will now live in a larger universe.”

“We are a college that actually practices what our mission says,” said Begley. “We actively care for our students. Active caring is different than just caring. We learned a long time ago that you can care for a student and they will never realize it. But if you actively care for a student you’ll find a way to let the student know.”

Begley also praised his successor, LWC President William T. Luckey Jr., for the growth of the college and his accomplishments since becoming president.

“Bill and Elise make a great president and first lady. While I can look back and take great pride in some of the good things that happened while I was president for 20 years, it is almost as satisfying to see what they’ve been able to do. Bill Luckey is a gifted president and he has done a remarkable job taking Lindsey Wilson College to the next level.”

And Luckey said Begley has faithfully stood by him as a good friend and mentor over the years.

“Doc, I am grateful that you have always been my strongest and most vocal supporter during my presidency,” said Luckey who has been the eighth president of LWC since 1988. “I’m so glad we didn’t listen to the experts that said we couldn’t work together and be successful.”