Lynn Willsey ’54, P’79, P’81, P’89, GP’18 accepts induction into the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society on May 30, 2015. (Daryn Slover)
Lynn Willsey, a math major, graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Bates in 1954. He played both basketball and golf for four years and in his senior year he was the Maine State Intercollegiate Golf Champion. He also served as the manager of the football team and was elected to the College Club, one of the parent organizations of the College Key.
Lynn married his college sweetheart, Beverly Hayne Willsey (’55) and they have four sons and eight grandchildren. Three sons are Bates graduates: Rob (’79), Dave (’81) and Jamie (’89). His grandson Dan is in the class of 2018.
Lynn participated in several capital campaigns during his 19 years as a Bates trustee. He has served as the secretary of the college and as an officer of the Hartford Bates Club. In addition, he has sponsored internships for Bates students, and interviewed prospective students. In 2006, along with Beverly, he received the Papaioanou Distinguished Alumni Service Award for his numerous contributions to the college. He has always found time to be an avid Bobcat sports fan, showing up at venues all over New England to support Bates teams.
Lynn’s entire 39-year business career was at The Travelers in Hartford. He earned membership in the Casualty Actuarial Society and the American Academy of Actuaries. His final position was as senior vice president and corporate actuary, and he enjoyed the opportunity to be a mentor for many young actuaries.
Active in his church, Lynn considers “church friends” to be one of his three families, along with biological family members and Bates. Chair for major gifts for two capital campaigns, he also served as a deacon, a trustee and on various church committees. He also sang in his church’s choir for over 40 years.
Over the years, Lynn assumed leadership positions in a number of volunteer organizations including FISH of Glastonbury, East Hartford Jaycees, Connecticut Community Care, Jefferson House of Hartford Hospital, and Woodledge Club. He also served on the board of Glastonbury Hills Country Club, where he is a founding member.
Lynn’s hobbies include all sports; he currently participates in golf and tennis. He enjoys music, bridge and volunteering. Lynn grew and sold Christmas trees for 20 years on Bev and Lynn’s Stonepost Farm in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and he and Beverly also help with their son’s maple syrup business at Shaker Maple Farm in Vermont.
In recognition of Lynn’s career as an athlete, and for his dedication, leadership and commitment to academics and athletics, it is an honor to offer membership in the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society to Lynn Willsey.
