Toll Caps Career With Science Center

The Tolls greet Ann McLain beneath the portrait of her husband.

Dignitaries including Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski, Representative Wayne Gilchrest, and President of the Maryland Senate Thomas V. "Mike" Miller joined the Washington College community of trustees, supporters and family of the late Dr. Joseph McLain in late April for the dedication of the John S. Toll Science Center. With the opening of the Center and the renovations to the Dunning/Decker Complex now underway, the event was the perfect opportunity to "roast" the man who put it all in motion.

In his opening remarks, President Baird Tipson reminded the crowd gathered for the dedication that John Toll, reflecting his presidency at Washington College, was heard to say, "once I'm gone I don't think many people will remember me."

"Well, Dr. Toll, we're not going to let you off that easily," said Tipson, to the laughter of all. "This building behind me not only bears your name, but it stands as a monument to your remarkable achievements, not just at Washington College, but throughout your entire career. None of us will forget what you and Debby have done for Washington College."

While science students and faculty prepped labs and awaited the opportunity to share their research projects with the invited guests, those who worked side-by-side with Toll reflected on his accomplishments at Washington College and in science.

"The Toll Science Center is the physical embodiment of John Toll's dream that Washington College should become a national leader in science education," said Senator Paul Sarbanes. "Today's dedication of this impressive science center might be called the capstone of his achievement."

Lynn McLain, daughter of the late Washington College alumnus, chemistry professor and president Joseph McLain '37, thanked those who contributed gifts to the Center's three-story atrium in commemoration of her father and his lifelong dedication to his alma mater.

"Our dad loved this college wholeheartedly and continuously from the day he set foot on it as a 16-year-old, 6'4", 140-pound freshman in 1933," she said. "I'd like to refer to the first law of thermodynamics: energy can be changed from one form to another, but it can be neither created nor destroyed. Joe McLain's energy may have changed form, but it's still here at WC—and this Atrium is the perfect place for his energy and spirit to alight."

In his remarks, Toll reiterated his desire to give undergraduates the chance to do collaborative research and to learn science by active inquiry and experiment.

"It is my fervent wish that the new Science Center will attract the best and brightest aspiring scientists and the dedicated professors to guide them, and that our students delight in their scientific discoveries and in their own new-found abilities."

He also recognized the many individuals, foundations, and corporations that contributed to the project.

"It was a great challenge to fund the construction of this new building and the renovation now underway," said Toll. "I am touched by the generosity of donors who pledged their commitment to this project. Our success is a testament to the leadership of our Board of Visitors and Governors, and to the memory of the late Joseph McLain, who set the standard for science education at Washington College."

In addition to receiving funds through federal and state sources, Washington College raised $11 million in private funds to support the construction of the John S. Toll Science Center.