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Nagler Leaves Nearly $2 Million to WC

  • William Nagler '42
    William Nagler '42
March 22, 2018
A former student-athlete has designated his estate gift to support student scholarships and the tennis program.

Washington College recently accepted a bequest of $1.86 million from William M. Nagler ’42, who passed away in 2016. The gift is designated for equal support of student scholarships and the College’s tennis program. 

A resident of San Diego, Nagler was retired from his job as president and CEO of The Pate Company, a manufacturer of roofing products. He held two patents from his work there: one for a pipe flashing unit and the other for a roof penetrating curb, a device that prevents leaks around roof openings. 

After graduating from Washington College with degrees in mathematics and physics, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a radar officer during World War II on the USS Yorktown in the Pacific. He earned an MBA from UCLA in 1951 and worked as a Gallup Poll taker, recording audience reactions to themes in movies, and for an advertising company in Philadelphia. 

As a WC student, Nagler was a member of the tennis team, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. He was also president of the WC chapter of the YMCA, vice president of the Literary Society, and president of the Society of Sciences. 

He was married to Betty Lohmuller Story Van Allen-Nagler ’44, who died in June 2017. The two met at Washington College and married after reconnecting later in life. Throughout his life, Nagler’s best friend was Bill Johnson ’40, whose philanthropy gave rise to the Johnson Fitness Center. Nagler gave annually to The Washington Fund for 33 years, was a member of the 1782 Society, and served on the Reunion Committee. 

Fifty percent of Nagler’s bequest will support full or partial scholarships for students who demonstrate academic excellence, with preference given to students from Oregon. The other half will fund the highest priority needs of the tennis program at WC. 

“More often than not, when you use the word ‘game changer’ in athletics, you are talking about a recruit – one who will redefine your program,” says Thaddeus Moore, director of Athletics. “But there is no better word to describe Mr. Nagler and his generosity. This gift will greatly enhance our programs and our student-athletes’ experience.” 

“I am continually impressed and humbled by the accomplishments of our alumni,” says College President Kurt Landgraf. “William Nagler is a quintessential example of the best of Washington College, and because of his loyalty and generosity, many more young people will have a chance to broaden their own horizons with a Washington College education.”


Last modified on Mar. 22nd, 2018 at 3:36pm by Karen Jones.