Philip R. Mather
From KCpedia
Philip R. Mather (1894-1973) was a philantrhopist, industrialist, and 24-year Kenyon Trustee.
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Biography
Philip R. Mather was born on May 19, 1894, in Cleveland, Ohio. His father was noted Kenyon trustee Samuel Mather. Philip Mather received his B.A. from Yale University in 1916, was a captain in the 322nd Field Artillery Regiment during World War I, and attended Harvard Graduate school from 1919 to 1920. For the next 16 years, Mather served as an executive for Pickands, Mather, and Company in Cleveland. During the Prohibition, he was the Cleveland, then Ohio, commander of the Crusaders, a group that worked to repeal the 18th ammendment. Beginning in 1936, Mather had no full-time job in business, instead devoting his life to various educational and welfare organizations, chiefly the National Health Council, the American Social Health Association, and the United Community Fund and World Affairs Council. He also continued to serve on the boards of several companies. In 1948, he was awarded the William Freeman Snow medal for "distinguished service to humanity," and in 1955 he was recognized by the United Defense Fund for his "distinguished service and leadership in the vital work of providing volutary health and welfare services for members of the armed forces and civilians engaged in the nation's defense effort." Mather became a trustee of Kenyon in 1949 and received an honorary degree in 1956.
Family
Philip Mather married Madeleine Almy on August 17, 1917. The couple had four daughters: Constance, Anne, Madeleine, and Phillus.
Role at Kenyon
Mather served as a trustee for Kenyon for 24 years and donated funds to a great number of projects. In 1962, a science building attached by walkway to Samuel Mather Hall was dedicated to Philip Mather. It, however, was demolished when the new science facilities were built; so, in 2002, the courtyard at the center of the science quadrangle was named the Philip R. Mather Courtyard. Mather continued to be actively involved with Kenyon until his death on September 19, 1973.
Resources
Philip R. Mather-- Collected Matierals, Kenyon College Archives
