The Long Distance Walker

Francis M. Austin Jr. '50 executive vice president, chief operating officer, and a director of New York Telephone is also president of the New York City March of Dimes. In the latter capacity Fran chaired this spring's $2 million walkthon. But he didn't just chair it. In Central Park, he told the other 14,999 walkers about the charities which the March of Dimes supports.

It's not the first time Fran has volunteered for duty. After graduation he spent a year at B.U. law school, then volunteered for service during the Korean War. He had command of an artillery forward observation post and was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster for his part in the battle for "Old Baldvy."

In 1954 Fran joined New York Telephone and worked in various departments, including two stints with AT&T, before his present assignment. He's also active in other Big Apple affairs: former president of the Fifth Avenue Association, director of the Greater New York YMCA, vice chairman of a cooperative bank. He is also a trustee of Wilbraham-Monson Academy.

Fran and his wife, Joan, live in Manhattan. Their daughter Vicki '77 was captain of the women's tennis team.