By Khoa Nugyen ’23, Sports Editor
Dwight Goldthorpe graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1937. However, graduation was not the end of his engagement with the Mercersburg community. Goldthorpe consistently made financial support to Mercersburg a priority throughout his life. When he passed away in 2007, he donated a sum of $14 million to Mercersburg which allowed the school to enhance its facilities, including the establishment of the Simon Student Center, the 1893 House, the Rutherford Health and Wellness Center, and refurbishments for the Nolde Gymnasium.
Normally, donors share their intentions, and the school knows how the gifts should be celebrated and appreciated in the right ways. However, Goldthorpe did not have children or extended family. It was not until this fall that the community we gave recognition to his contributions and his humility with Head of School Katie Titus’ announcement of the Goldthorpe name, as that with which all the athletic buildings (including the Plantz Courts, the Flanagan Pool, the Nolde Gymnasium, the Hale Field House, the Davenport Squash Center and the Lloyd Aquatic Center) will be identified.
During his time at Mercersburg, Dwight Goldthorpe was an active member of the community. He took part in Camera Club, Mercersburg News, French Club, and was a member of the Irving Society. Goldthorpe was also a Torchbearer, a member of William Mann Irvine Society, the McDowell Society, the Via Lucis Society, and the Marshall & Irving Alliance.
Goldthorpe continued his education at Amherst College and Harvard Business School after his time at Mercersburg. Subsequently, he served in the U.S Navy from 1942-1946, finishing his service as a lieutenant. He later moved to Palm Beach, Florida and to start a career in private investment.
Titus said, “Why name the complex for him, even though he did not ask for it?” With this recognition, the Board of Regents sends the message of gratitude from the student body, faculty and the whole Mercersburg community. We at Mercersburg are honored to recognize Dwight Goldthorpe and his devotion to the school. His gift will inspire generations of young students and athletes to live on in the Mercersburg spirit.