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George Wenchel ’65 Establishes Endowed Chair for STEM

George Wenchel ’65 Establishes Endowed Chair for STEM

We extend our thanks to George Wenchel ’65, who has established the Wenchel Family Endowed Chair for STEM. George explained that he was inspired by Brooke ’65 and Rosemary Seawell’s gift that will create a center for science, technology, engineering, and math as part of the new Upper School.

“It’s exciting to see what Landon’s great teachers will do with the new building and I hope that this endowed chair will further support their work with the boys,” said George. A portion of the income from the Wenchel Family Endowed Chair for STEM will support professional development for faculty teaching in those areas.

George entered the U.S. Naval Academy after graduating from Landon. “At the time, everyone graduated from the academy with a bachelor’s degree in engineering,” he noted. “Their philosophy was that this would teach you how to think logically and break down problems. They were right.”

George served 27 years on active duty, with most of his career in the Naval Supply Corps. He continued in technology management, including programs supporting the Navy SEALs. His wife, Rosemary, had a long career as a mathematician in cyber warfare with the Navy and Homeland Security. Both of their sons entered technology fields: Adam ’92 runs a company in artificial intelligence, and Seth ’98 works for the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State supporting the Navy’s cyber warfare group.

“Math and science have been incredibly important to our family, and so has Landon,” George said. George volunteered for many years on the Landon Alumni Board and has served as the class agent for the Class of 1965 for more than 20 years. “Our class is close. We’ve always supported each other and the School.”

“Landon instilled teamwork and civility in all of us,” explained George, who captained the varsity wrestling team during his time at Landon. “Being able to engender teamwork is essential to successful leadership. And our class was the first to live under the Honor Code; Knight Kiplinger ’65 played a big role in instituting that. I see these values continuing in my sons and now in Adam’s son, Heath ’29.”

Thank you to the Wenchel family and all our generous supporters who are helping us realize our strategic vision to enhance and transform our boys’ experience. The growth of Landon’s endowment is an important part of The Campaign for Landon.  A gift of $250,000 or more establishes an endowed chair and a gift of $100,000 or more establishes a scholarship. If you would like to explore making a gift that is meaningful to you and Landon, please contact Director of Development Peter J. Gallo, Ph.D., at peter_gallo@landon.net or 301-320-1004.