Boston, MA – September 30, 2008 – William H. “Bill” Flanagan, Machine Construction & Tool Design ’51 and Wentworth Corporator, has made the largest gift in the Institute’s history, a $10 million gift in the form of a charitable gift annuity.  The contribution will be used for the construction of a new student center, which has been identified as one development project as part of the Institute’s campus master plan and it will be named in Mr. Flanagan’s honor.  Previously, in 2006 Mr. Flanagan contributed $1 million to Wentworth.

“Bill Flanagan’s extraordinary generosity will play an invaluable role in the further development of our campus, benefiting the college educational experience for many generations of students to come and all other members of the Wentworth community,” said President Zorica Pantić.  “We are incredibly fortunate to have received this historical contribution from such a successful alum and business leader. It will support the strategic initiatives and vision for our campus.”

The vision for the new student center is for it to be the hub of student life and enhance the overall learning environment at Wentworth.  It will serve as a gathering spot for students and faculty, provide abundant space for the growing number of clubs and organizations, and feature a gallery for presenting student work.  The development of this facility will help the Institute meet the needs of a residential campus in the 21st century, strengthen student life and the college learning experience, and improve Wentworth’s ability to recruit and retain students. 

“If I had not gone to Wentworth, I would not have had the money to give,” said Flanagan.  “Wentworth deserves it and I am thankful that I could make this gift to the Institute, which continues to provide a strong, practical education for students.”

Flanagan’s fondest memory of attending Wentworth was making parts for his race car in the machine parts laboratory, which he put to good use as he raced cars professionally.  During his two years at Wentworth, which represent his college education, the Institute was a commuter school and never had a formal student center.  Flanagan acknowledges it will be pretty thrilling to see his name on a Wentworth building and looks forward to the groundbreaking in the future.

“Over the past 20 years, Bill has served as a dedicated Wentworth Corporator, which is a position of leadership in the governance of Wentworth,” said David Kruger, chairman of the board of trustees.  “We are so grateful to him for his involvement with his alma mater, and his generous contributions over the years.  He has taken philanthropy to a new level at Wentworth.”

In addition to being a dedicated graduate and generous philanthropist, Flanagan is a successful businessman and entrepreneur.  In 1961, he founded Nexus, Incorporated, a designer and manufacturer of communications connectors like audio plugs, jacks, and push-button switches that have become the standard in military headsets and intercoms.  After 47 years, his Stamford, Connecticut-based company, was purchased and now operates as Amphenol Nexus Technologies.  The business and 110 employees remain in place at the new company.  In addition, Flanagan is credited with seventeen US patents and one is still pending.

From 1971-1977, Flanagan was elected three times to the Stamford Board of Representatives, a 40-member board which functions similar to a city council.  In addition, he served on the board of directors of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association from 1975-1978, as well as many other civic boards.