Index
Scholarships
The Donald M. Watkin '43 Scholarship
The Donald M. Watkin ’43 scholarship was established by Virginia G. “Ginny” Watkin in memory of her husband, Donald, Hamilton Class of 1943.
Donald Watkin was born in Waterford, New York, but grew up in Ilion, southwest of Herkimer. He graduated from Hamilton with honors in biology. During his time on College Hill, he joined his father’s fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, participated in Debate Club and public speaking contests, served as managing editor of Hamilton Life and as a newscaster for the newly launched campus radio station (WHCL), and held membership in the Interfraternity Council. A four-year Dean’s List student, he was elected to both the forensic and journalism honorary societies, Delta Sigma Rho and Pi Delta Epsilon. He went on to earn both an M.D. and a master’s in public health at Harvard. He enjoyed a 42-year career with the federal government, working in the fields of nutrition and metabolism with the Veterans Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Administration on Aging, and the Federal Aviation Administration. He also served as research professor of medicine at George Washington University. He was widely published in his areas of expertise, including authorship of the Handbook of Nutrition, Health and Aging (1983).
Maintaining his close ties to Hamilton over the years, Don Watkin served in a wide variety of volunteer capacities including fundraiser, class correspondent and as a member of the Alumni Council.
Donald married Virginia Guild Watkin in 1946. Mrs. Watkin graduated from Wellesley College in 1946, and Columbia Law School in 1949. She went on to become an attorney and partner in a Washington, DC law office. They are the parents of four children, including Edward (Ted) ’79.
March 2015
Please note: The named scholarships profiled on these pages are awarded as part of the College’s need-based financial aid packages. These funds help ensure the Hamilton Promise of keeping education affordable through meeting a student’s full demonstrated financial need.
Materials published here were diligently researched and written by students who strived for historical accuracy.
