Alumni Award: William Jester Montgomery '52

Born in Missouri, raised in California, and a world traveler for much of his life, Bill has long had a deep stake in the Hanover Plain. One of the College's legends, Warner Bent ley, persuaded him that Hanover was the place to learn and grow and dream. After an active undergraduate life and two years in the marines (including duty in Japan and Korea), he moved into the world of finance. He cut his teeth at IBM but soon found his niche in leasing, either joining or founding top-drawer companies in San Francisco, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut. Since September 1991 he has been chairman and CEO of American Finance Group in Boston, one of the largest privately held equipment-leasing companies in the country. This leasing expertise, as well as Bill's empathy and talent as a public speaker, has made him a prize performer at seminars and conferences around the globe;

He has served the College and his class in endless ways, but in no way more significantly than as a member of the Alumni Council. As Council president he was the firm but friendly steward who brought the College Relations Group—a much-needed conduit between the College and alumni—into fruition.

And while he has served as class agent, class secretary, class president, and two-time reunion chairman, it is as class newsletter editor that he has served a special role. For more than ten years, with wit and wisdom, Bill has written of his classmates, tying them together—and in knots.

Outgoing, personable, funny, tough, confident, Bill is a wonderful combination of good things. Along with his wife, Maggie, he has waves wherever he's gone—and not just on his beloved boat. Bill's love for and commitment to Dartmouth has been as deep and abiding as her "long cool shadows" and "soft September sunsets." It is with Dartmouth's undying gratitude and admiration that we present him with this Alumni Award.