Written by John Hopkins 330-263-2082 Email Story | Print Story

March 30, 2004

WOOSTER, Ohio - The Donald and Alice Noble Foundation has given $500,000 toward the renovation of Kauke Hall, The College of Wooster’s main academic building. The gift was announced to the college’s board of trustees at their meeting here Saturday.

In recognition of the foundation’s generosity, the college will name Kauke’s third-floor tower classroom, with its commanding view of the campus mall, in honor of Donald and Alice Noble.

Donald Noble served The College of Wooster as a trustee from 1961 until his death in 2002. Two of the Nobles’ children, David ’63 and Richard ’64, are graduates of the college, as is their daughter-in-law, Gayle ’86, and their grandson, Robinson ’91.

Noble joined the Wooster Rubber Company, the forerunner of Rubbermaid, Inc., as chief accountant and assistant office manager in 1941. He was named president and chief executive officer in 1959 and served in that position until 1980.

“Don Noble’s love for this college and his desire to help individuals succeed combined to make him a special friend and advisor to four of Wooster’s presidents over 41 years,” said President R. Stanton Hales. “As a deeply committed member of Wooster’s board, Don was the ultimate trustee, colleague and friend.”

“When my mother learned of the need to renovate Kauke, she urged the foundation to make this gift,” said David D. Noble, president of the Noble Foundation. “The board of the foundation was delighted to support this important initiative by the college.”

Kauke Hall is The College of Wooster’s intellectual heart and symbolic centerpiece, home to more than a dozen academic departments. The $18 million renovation of Kauke is part of the college’s largest fund-raising campaign ever, Independent Minds: The Campaign for Wooster. In all, the campaign seeks to raise $122 million for capital projects, student scholarships, and academic programs by June 30, 2007. To date, the college has raised more than $85 million toward that goal.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for an innovative curriculum that emphasizes independent learning. Each Wooster senior creates an original research project, written work, performance or exhibit of artwork, supported one-on-one by a faculty mentor. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 1,800 students.