News > October 27, 2005

By Will Harbour

Contributing Reporter

A ceremony was held in honor of university trustee Doug Manchester and his wife, Elizabeth, who recently pledged $5 million dollars to the university, $4 million of which was earmarked to support the undergraduate faculty, Oct. 21. The other $1 million will go to the golf program.

In appreciation of the Manchesters’ gift the university renamed the Magnolia Court, Manchester Plaza, and West Hall Manchester Hall.

The Manchesters are from La Jolla, Calif. Manchester is the chairman of the Manchester Financial Group. The Manchesters have a strong connection to the university as they are parents of a current university student and a 2003 graduate.  Both Manchesters serve on the Parents’ Council.

Newly-installed President Nathan O. Hatch welcomed guests with a smile and words of appreciation. Hatch said the Manchesters were among the most influential figures at the university, and that the Manchester name is synonymous with faculty excellence. He said also that he hoped other parents would follow in their example. Their donation is the largest gift ever by parents and the second by the Manchesters. Three years ago they donated $1 million.

President Hatch’s remarks were followed by a brief invocation from Professor Charles Kimball from the department of religion. Deborah Best, Dean of the College, remarked on the Manchesters’ generosity. She spoke of the importance of excellent faculty to the undergraduate experience, and said the Manchesters’ gift would allow the university to continue to hire fabulous faculty.

The Manchesters then spoke of their gift. Mr. Manchester focused on the importance of strong faculty to the university and the impact it had on his children in particular. Explaining why he wished to donate so much to the university, he said the gift was “about making the university the best it can be.”

“Simple gestures . . . make huge differences,” Manchester said.  He went on to talk about how Wake Forest had, in many ways, done much for his children. In finishing he said, “This university is a gem.” Mrs. Manchester spoke briefly as well. After thanking her husband for his dedication she praised the university for its encouragement to students to succeed.

The closing remarks were delivered by Glenn Orr, chairman of the board of trustees. “We appreciate it so much,” Orr said. “Our faculty are our number one asset.” Orr presented the Manchesters with prints of the property now named in their honor.