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During the 1990s Cotter turned his
attention closer to home. Recognizing that the economic health of Waterville
is critical to Colby's ability to continue recruiting top students and
faculty, he was a founding member of the Mid State Economic Development
Corporation and established a $1-million loan fund to help recruit and
retain downtown businesses. He led the effort to turn the former Stern's
department store into the nonprofit Waterville Regional Arts & Community
Center (WRACC) and, in his final year, established a trustee subcommittee
for downtown development. In June the WRACC board and the Mid-Maine Chamber
of Commerce established The William R. Cotter Award in recognition of
his contributions "to the improvement and revitalization of downtown Waterville."
This spring the Cotters were busy
wrapping up business at Colby and preparing for a schedule that only they
could consider "retirement" but that most would consider full-time
work. They have moved to Boston, where Bill is full-time chief executive
officer of The Oak Foundation and Linda continues consulting for the organization.
The Oak Foundation is a relatively new international philanthropic foundation
that commits its resources to issues of global social and environmental
concerns, particularly those that have a major impact on the lives of
the disadvantaged. "He's clearly a builder," said Alan Parker, vice chair
of the foundation. "He's an outstanding executive who can get the job
done, and with his experience in the international world and Africa in
particular, he was almost a perfect fit." Alan and his wife, Jette Parker,
chair of the foundation and a Colby trustee, met Cotter when their son
Kristian '94 was a student.
Before departing Mayflower Hill the
Cotters were praised at events here and across the country for the enormous
contributions they had made to Colby and Waterville. At dozens of formal
and informal events groups not only applauded the Cotters but broke into
spontaneous standing ovations saluting their extraordinary dedication
to the College and their inspired leadership.
Waterville businessman Joe Karter,
who worked with Cotter on downtown initiatives, said it all. "Bill Cotter,"
he said, "is a guy who knows how to get things done."
A Legacy of Leadership: After 12 Years at Colby,
Colby Magazine,
Summer 2000, vol 89 n 3 © Colby College 4181
Mayflower Hill Waterville, Maine 04901-8841
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