British Schools and Universities Foundation, Inc.
 

 

 

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    History of the BSUF  
       
   

In the 1950s, The British Schools and Universities Foundation was envisioned by a dedicated group led by Thomas E. Ward, Sr. After overcoming many obstacles, BSUF became a Membership Corporation, pursuant to the laws of the State of New York, on May 1, 1961.

 On April 27, 1964, an Internal Revenue Service exemption certificate was granted through the persistent efforts of Mr. Ward, Justice Frederic R. Sanborn, and Attorney/CPA Andrew Nelson.

 During its formative years, BSUF benefited greatly from the guidance it received from its early Directors.  Sydney C. Waldecker, General Counsel and Chairman of the Executive Committee, led the Foundation through its earliest years, setting the standards by which BSUF operates today. Bruce F. E. Harvey played a key role as a versatile and tireless executive officer.  John F. Rich, Honorary Secretary, provided many valuable ideas and suggestions. Lionel A. deCastro provided much-needed financial expertise as the first Honorary Treasurer. Both Arthur Grundy and A. Denys Cadman, Vice Presidents, contributed greatly through their executive abilities.

The work of the founders was advanced further by Tom Ward, Jr., President from 1988 through 1991 and Chairman from 1992 through 1997, who still serves as an Honorary Director. With skillful guidance and inspiration from Tom Ward and Alan Root, his successor as President and Chairman, BSUF enjoyed many years of sustained growth and improved efficiency of operations.  Messrs. Ward and Root were succeeded by Scott Bushey and David Lipson, respectively, who emphasized computer-based, “user-friendly” administration and more interaction with other organizations promoting Anglo-American collaboration.  Dr. Roger H. Martin brings his broad experience as a college president, senior administrator and fund-raiser to his current role as President of the Foundation

In 1969, the Directors established the Thomas E. Ward Fund in memory of their first Chairman for inspiring and bringing about the formation of BSUF. Arthur Grundy was instrumental in securing the bequest that became the Richard A. and Kathleen B. May Memorial Fund in 1984.  A bequest from former Chairman Emeritus Alan C. Root in 2006 made possible the creation of a third memorial fund to be used for scholarship grants to U.K. scholars whose studies or research can only be pursued here in the U.S.

ALBERT H. GORDON (1901-2009)  

Among the most respected and inspiring of Wall Street’s business leaders for more than half a century, Al Gordon also served as a BSUF Director for 33 years.  After earning his Harvard MBA in 1925, he played a dominant role in restoring the iconic investment banking firm of Kidder, Peabody from bankruptcy to a position of industry leadership.  Known for his exemplary lifestyle, integrity and philanthropic activity, Al was an intellectually keen and very generous contributor to the success of this Foundation.  He was elected a Life Fellow of the BSUF in 2004.  We deeply regret to report his recent demise at the age of 107.