In Memoriam: George W. “Bill” Whitney, Jr.
George W. “Bill” Whitney, Jr., a longtime Middlebury College staff member, died on November 3 at the age of 87. In his 30 years at Middlebury, he oversaw numerous expansions and major renovations across campus while serving as director of operations.
Whitney was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 22, 1937, to George W. Whitney, Sr., and Marion Mitchell Whitney. He graduated from Brown and Nichols School in Cambridge, where he was a three-sport athlete, and later received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brown University in 1959. Whitney moved to Middlebury in 1973 after a successful career in business to accept a job as a purchasing agent at the College.
Whitney was eventually named director of operations, assuming responsibility for daily operations of the College. He oversaw construction of The Grille in McCullough Student Center, McCardell Bicentennial Hall, and Chip Kenyon ’85 Arena—home to the men’s and women’s ice hockey programs—among other significant projects. Whitney spent over 20 years as director of operations before retiring in December 2003.
Betty Anderson, who worked with Whitney as an administrative assistant for 15 years, said his door was always open to co-workers to talk about work and life in general. She fondly refers to his method of management known around the office as MBWA—Management By Wandering Around—due to his practice of seeking out coworkers to check on their wellbeing.
“He truly listened to folks from all of the departments he oversaw including faculty, administrators, students, and retirees,” said Anderson. “George somehow seemed to find out what a person was good at—and fit it into their job. I have fond memories of our discussions about construction or renovations and his sense of humor. Working as his administrative assistant was one of the best jobs I ever had.”
Mary Stanley, a retired office space manager in operations, received a welcome card from Whitney and Anderson shortly after being hired in 1998. She kept the card displayed in her office until she retired in June 2024.
“That small gesture meant so much to me as I was leaving a job I had been at for over 18 years,” said Stanley. “George was always sensitive and caring about family and always asked about mine. He gave me projects that allowed me to grow in my job. He was a good, kind man.”
Whitney was an active member of the community having regularly attended the United Methodist Church of North Ferrisburg, serving as a Master Mason in Union Lodge No. 2 in Middlebury and St. Paul’s Lodge No. 25 in Brandon, and as a hockey coach for the Middlebury Youth Hockey Association.
Whitney is survived by his wife, Barbara Wallace Whitney; daughters Kristen Ann Porter and Kimberly Pease; son Todd W. Whitney; grandchildren Katelyn Pelkey, Jacob Goldstein, Megan Pease, Hannah Pease, Joplin Whitney, and Angus Whitney; and great-grandchildren Raea Coakley, Maya Coakley, Lilly Sweeney, and Joey Ybarra. He was predeceased by his two sisters.
Memorial gifts may be made to the North Ferrisburgh Methodist Church or the Order of the Eastern Star C/O Heather Hinckley, 130 Chalet Heights, Unit 1, Box 5, Mendon, Vermont, 05701.