2009-2010 Annual Report - Wayland Academy

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Perhaps one of Weimar Hicks’
greatest talents was recognizing
talent in others. No case better
illustrates his sense of aptitude in
employees than his move to promote
Ray Patterson, Jr. `40 to
administrative prominence only three
years after Patterson’s hire as a coach
and teacher in 1949. This young,
ambitious, and successful employee-
Honoring a Legend:
Raymond A. Patterson, Jr. `40
Headmaster from 1953-1970
Former Wayland Headmaster Ray Patterson, Jr. `40 and his wife Ruth H`10 were honored at
a Wayland Gathering hosted by Trustees Mikki Hebl `87 and Will Luedke IV `70, at Hebl’s
residence on November 3, 2010. Ruth was given an Honorary Wayland diploma for the many
years she spent on the Wayland Campus assisting Ray in many capacities. Trustee Chair Susan
Peterson `63 presented Ray with an historic proclamation, which bestowed upon him the status
of President Emeritus and Honorary Trustee.
Ruth and Ray have five children: Raymond (Pat) `69, Steve `75, Elizabeth (Liz), Margaret
(Peg), and Pete. During their time at Wayland, the school saw an unprecedented period of
expansion in enrollment, physical plant, and national reputation. Please read the following
story regarding Patterson’s tenure at Wayland Academy, which covers 1949-1970. This article
was taken from “The Sesquicentennial Story.”
The Proclamation presentation, Trustee Chair Susan Peterson `63, Ray Patterson, Jr. `40, Tom Nissalke `51,
and Trustee Richard Kimberly `54
alumnus already had success in
coordinating Alumni relations for the
upcoming Centennial, and his skills
in admissions and fundraising made
him the perfect choice to succeed
Hicks in 1953. The Patterson years
would then become one of the most
successful eras of enrollment, giftgiving,
and physical plant
development in Wayland history.
While a student at Wayland, Ray
Patterson had been active in football,
basketball, track, drama, choir, and
student government. At the
University of Wisconsin, he was
named an All-American in basketball.
He joined the Wayland faculty as a
science teacher and coach, but Hicks
quickly delegated many tasks to him
that involved the inner workings of