Touchtons Support WC’s Future

Robert “Bob” Touchton can trace the origin of many of the best things in his life to his time as a student at Wilmington College: a successful career, an informed worldview, and even meeting his future wife.

A handwritten note stating, “Bob, we’re looking forward to seeing you in the fall,” played a key role in his coming to WC. That personal attention and inherent sense of community have endured. The 17-year-old was assigned to Austin Hall, a serendipitous development because “All the people that were in my hall turned out to be my best friends for the next four years,” he said.

Bob, who majored in chemistry and mathematics, played four years of basketball and baseball and enjoyed all the advantages of being a big fish in a small pond, including serving as class president.

When he and his wife, Sharon, moved back to the Cincinnati area upon his retirement, he became closely involved with WC as a member of the Alumni Council, Board of Trustees, interim vice president, teaching business law—and as a donor. “I wanted to give back to the school that gave so much to me. It gave me a sense of purpose,” he added. “I urge all alumni to contribute so the students of today can have the same great opportunities we had as students in the ’60s.”