The William W. Biddle Outdoor Leadership Fund

The goal of the William W. Biddle Outdoor Leadership Fund is to provide some resources to encourage members of the Nobles Outing Club to dream about what could be, what should be, and to take leadership in setting priorities and focusing group energy on fulfilling them. It could be climbing a mountain, scaling a cliff, canoeing a river locally or far away. Or it could be seeking training in outdoor skills. Or it could be reaching out to others to share outdoor experiences, making new friendships. The sky is the limit.

Bill Biddle came to Nobles in 1956 primarily to teach English. His tremendous energy, enthusiasm, openness to friendship, and wonder at the beauty and inspiration to be found in the natural realm inspired many young students to try harder whether in class, in Nature, or simply in life. Bill thrived in the out-of-doors and enjoyed sharing its challenges with others. He was a leader, as President of the Dartmouth Outing Club in 1951-1952, as an active member of the Appalachian Mountain Club, as a teacher, as a peer. But Bill had a way of leading that encouraged others to participate in that leadership. Soon students joined him climbing in the White Mountains throughout the school year, changing their lives forever. Their shared experiences led to the formation of the Nobles Outing Club in 1957.

Bill died on June 7, 2012, after inspiring students at Nobles, the Holderness School, and elsewhere, after leading canoe trips in the Pacific Northwest, after being an enthusiastic member of the Byron Society of America. Many of his former students came to his memorial service in Seattle and later helped spread his ashes on Mt. Moosilauke near Dartmouth’s Moosilauke Ravine Lodge in New Hampshire. We began to discuss ways to memorialize Bill that would give to others some of what Bill gave to us, some of the legacy that Bill left in founding the Nobles Outing Club.

Nobles is enthusiastic about this effort, especially because of the school’s commitment to experiential learning. Our goal is to raise $150,000 that would provide approximately $7,500 per year for use by students in the Outing Club in perpetuity. Many students from Bill’s years at Nobles, as well as Bill’s friends and family, have established and contributed to this fund. The initial $50,000 of gifts was matched by an anonymous donor to bring the fund up to $100,000. Since then we have raised $11,000, which will also be matched provided we raise an additional $14,000, bringing the total donations to $75,000 and the total fund with match to $150,000. We seek your support for providing new leadership opportunities for Nobles students.

Gifts to The William W. Biddle Outdoor Leadership Fund may be made through the Nobles Development Office by check, transfer of stock or other assets, or with a credit card online at www.nobles.edu/giveonline. Please see “How to Contribute” for more information.

 

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