Lebanon Valley College Honors Trustee Emeritus Dellinger with Founders Medal

Wesley “Wes” T. Dellinger ’75, P’05, who recently retired after two terms as chair and 30 years overall on Lebanon Valley College’s Board of Trustees, received the Founders Medal during Commencement from Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, LVC president. Dellinger, who also unanimously received trustee emeritus status last week from his fellow board members, joins previous honorees Pennsylvania Governors Thomas W. Corbett ’71 and Edward G. Rendell, philanthropists Frank Dixon and Jeanne Donlevy Arnold H’10, and Major General Jessica L. Wright. 

The Founders Medal is one of the highest commendations issued by the College. The award recognizes individuals whose character and leadership, in the spirit of the founders of Lebanon Valley College—Thomas Rhys Vickroy and G.W. Miler Rigor—enhances the lives of those in central Pennsylvania. 

“Since 1988, Wes has served as a valued, thoughtful, and fully engaged leader of this College,” said Dr. Thayne during the ceremony. “We recognize your love of this place, your deep belief in the power of an LVC education, and your resolute service to Lebanon Valley College… you are truly deserving of this extraordinary honor commemorating the spirit of our founders.” 

The Dellinger family connection to LVC extends back more than a century. Dellinger’s great-grandfather, Dr. James T. Spangler, graduated in the Class of 1890. Wes’ wife, Amy, their daughter, Courtney, and 13 other family members also graduated from the College. Dellinger Residence Hall is named in honor of these vast family connections.  

In the afterword to the College’s 150th anniversary history, Of High Grade: A Sesquicentennial History of Lebanon Valley College, Dellinger wrote “I am exceedingly proud of my family’s history at The Valley. There are many who share a family legacy that connects them to our College. These legacies continue as the children—and nieces and nephews—of Valley alumni continue to enroll in large numbers at this great institution.”