Remembering those who remain in our memories — and our hearts— because of their care and concern for the camps.
James L. “Robin” Ledwith
2020: While a Freshman at College in 1955, Robin Ledwith was looking for a summer job. Leonard Ferguson advertised for summer staff and Robin followed up. Robin was a counselor for two years during his Freshman and Sophomore summers in College. He was a member of the Navy ROTC at Princeton at that time and was facing his first active duty with summer exercises in his junior year (1957) and full active service upon graduation in June 1958.
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He was President of the Board for about fifteen years, before turning the job over to Noel Turner a few years after Leonard retired in 1982. Although he relinquished his job as President, he continued for many years to serve as a board member and past President.
He is an honorary member of College Settlement’s Board of Trustees, as is his wife Katherine. Our hearts go out to Kathy.
Dave DeRosa
2018: Dave DeRosa was a treasured friend of College Settlement and The Outdoor School for almost two decades. Educator, mentor, inspirer of students—and recipient of The Outdoor School Award at our 2017 annual Gala—Dave’s impact on College Settlement’s Outdoor School is simply incalculable. No one was a greater proponent, and he helped shape the traditions and culture of the program for nearly twenty years.
Expand to read moreHe also devoted much of his time outside the classroom to College Settlement as well as the North Penn Boys & Girls Club. Dave led an extraordinary life, inspiring countless people every day. He brought math to life for his students with his creative lessons, including his custom-made hippopotamus tie and his 20-foot inflatable whale. He was also known for impersonating a pirate, and for surprise visits dressed as a T-Rex or Troll. Dave was passionate about running and competed in a half-marathon, mud-run, 10K or 5K nearly every weekend. He was also active in several local running clubs.
He passed away unexpectedly on July 4th. He was 46 years old. The number of lives Dave touched was extraordinary. He leaves his loving wife, Wendy, his three children.
Henceforth, the Outdoor School Award will be known as the Dave DeRosa Outdoor School Award.
Charlotte Jane Perry
2017: Charlotte Perry, a longtime College Settlement corporation member, passed away on March 16th, 2017. There are many wonderful stories about Charlotte’s love of this camp and how her knowledge of birds—as well as her passion for the card game bridge—ended up being an asset to our programming, our campers, and our summer staff.
Howard Bazar
2012: Howard Bazar started his association with The College Settlement Camp in 1964 when he was hired as a cabin counselor. At the time he was attending West Chester State College pursuing a BS in Education. During his tenure as a Camp Summer Employee he was also Mansion House Unit Leader, Assistant Pool Director and in his last summer in 1972 he was the Assistant Director. At that time the Assistant Director was a seasonal position with the responsibility of running the entire Camp. Soon after leaving the employ of the Camp he was elected to the Board of Trustees. He served on the Board for 39 years from 1973 to 2012. He was our longest serving Board Member.
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Marion W. Martin
2012: Marion W. Martin, a longtime former Board Member and most recently an Honorary Board Member, passed away on June 7, 2008, and through her generosity bequeathed $50,000.00 to College Settlement Camp.
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Evelyn S. Bissig
2009: Evelyn S. Bissig passed away on April 16, 2009, at the Abington Hospice in Warminster PA at the age of 83. She is survived by her son, Gary, daughter-in-law Natalie, three grandchildren David, Lauren and Michael, her brother William Schweriner and family, as well as her dear friend Cass Smitka.
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Jeanne R. Bruno
2009: Jeanne R. Bruno of Horsham died at home on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. She was 65.
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Christine Y. Swanson
2009: Christine Y. Swanson of Maple Glen passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, after a courageous 10-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 67.
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