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| The LeSuer Legacy Lives On |
 Monmouth College lost a few of its most celebrated and loyal alumni in 1999, including "Mr. Fighting Scot" Bobby Woll and Graham McMillan.
In the fall, within one month of each other, William and Arlene Snow LeSuer, both '42, passed away in Ohio. But in terms of their accomplishments and their financial gifts to Monmouth College, the memory of the LeSuers is guaranteed to live long into the 21st century.
It was written in 1987 that the LeSuers had been Monmouth College's largest and most consistent donors for the longest period of time, with numerous gifts cited, including a $100,000 contribution to the Haldeman-Thiessen Science Center in 1970, a natural gift, considering Bill was one of "Haldy's Boys."
That giving spirit continued through the 1990s, including a $100,000 pledge to the Forward to the 21st Century campaign and the purchase of a 16.5-acre tract of land on the outskirts of Monmouth now known as the LeSuer Nature Preserve.
Monmouth College president Richard Giese, who heard of his current job through the LeSuers when he was at Mt. Union College in Ohio, wrote at the time of Bill's death:
"The LeSuers were wonderful people and will always be remembered by Sandy and me. Bill and Arlene LeSuer serve as a model for all of us in how to live a life of Christian commitment to our fellow man."
Two years before, Bill expressed what that "Christian commitment" meant to him:
"Fifty-five years ago when I graduated from Monmouth College I had little idea where my career would ultimately lead. But, I knew the campus employment and financial aid offered to me as a student would warrant my neverending gratitude. And, I knew the exceptional education I received at Monmouth College would prepare me to meet most challenges and provide me with many opportunities."
Although Bill went on to make his share of headlines as a vice president of research and development at the Lubrizol Corporation, he was the first to recognize the impact that Arlene had on his life and on the lives of those around her. When Bill couldn't attend a 1970 ceremony where he was to be presented the Outstanding Alumnus Award from Monmouth College, he wrote the following note:
"I can assure you that the most deserving member of our family will be there to accept the award. If you had come to me in the beginning, I think that I could have convinced you that Arlene should truly have been the recipient of the award. She is an amazing girl, and she continues to amaze me with the number of worthwhile outside activities she takes part in, in a leadership role, while still effectively maintaining her family life."
Sue Ann Vanderpool, one of the LeSuers' four children, said her parents had a passion for Monmouth, and a recognition that the school shaped their lives.
"They certainly loved Monmouth," she wrote following their deaths. "As we traveled while on vacations as children, they taught us several Monmouth College songs. I think they liked Monmouth because that is where they found each other and fell in love.
"They each talked about their profs with great respect and fondness. Dad would never have gone to college if Monmouth had not given him a scholarship. Dad knew the value of an education and was very committed.
"They also regaled us with stories of college life and pranks. They really had fun and used what they learned for the basis of the rest of their lives."
Bill and Arlene showed a "neverending gratitude" for their alma mater. And Monmouth College feels the same way about the LeSuers. Their legacy will live on with Garrett W. Thiessen Science Chair, the LeSuer Nature Preserve and the memory of the loyalty and support of two wonderful alumni.
These words, written about Bill and spoken to Arlene at the 1970 ceremony, still rang true 29 years later at the time of their deaths:
"You have succeeded beyond measure in blending the objectivity of the scientist with the compassion of the humanist, and in so doing you have established new standards for the measurement of individual success and achievement. Your distinguished career stands as a glittering challenge to all who aspire to contribute meaningfully to their society."
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