| Eugene C. Latham Class of 1955 |
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"My education at Williams," you have said, "left me with a continuing intellectual curiosity and the desire to give something back." That you have surely done. Having moved to Mexico for business, you fell in love—first with the country and then with its many orphaned and abandoned children. This led to your involvement, including more than four decades as President, with what has become the largest system of orphanages in the world. More than four thousand children from some of the most tragic and impoverished circumstances throughout Latin America and the Caribbean come knowing that they will never be separated from their siblings. You provide them shelter, food, clothing, healthcare, and education in an environment of love, security, sharing, work, and responsibility. More than fifteen thousand have gone on to become caring and engaged citizens, including as partners with you in providing care to the next generation of children in need. Thus the group, known as "Our Little Brothers and Sisters," has been called the largest family in the world. It grows yet even further, as you have added a children's hospital in Haiti, where ninety percent of the patients suffer from malnourishment or AIDS; a hospice in Honduras; and clinics in several countries for physically and mentally challenged children who have been abandoned. In recognition of your distinguished achievement in serving needy children, Williams College is proud to honor you with its Bicentennial Medal. |
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