Deceased July 22, 2019

View alumni profile (log in required)
Read obituary


 In Memory

We lost Woody on July 22, in Farmington, Maine. Born in Newark, N.J., he is survived by his wife of 40 years, Alyce Strickland Woodall; two sons and daughters-in-law; one daughter and son-in-law and four grandchildren.

After graduating from George School Prep, Newton Pa., Woody came to Amherst where he was an economics major and a member of Kappa Theta. After a required stint in the Air Force, Woody received his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Originally employed at Westinghouse, Woody was lured away from the refrigerator production line in 1968 to become business manager and a member of the team that established Hampshire College. “We helped get it up and going. My four years there were almost like another four years at Amherst; I lost my heart and soul to college administration.” After Hampshire, he became CFO of Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio; next, treasurer of Bowdoin College; and finally, New England College, Henniker N.H., made Woody director of NEC’s British campus in Arundel, West Sussex, England. Woody said that his greatest satisfaction as a professional administrator was helping to ensure access to a quality education for all students of all backgrounds.

Under Woody’s quiet demeanor was a man with an enthusiasm for life. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe and the Middle East. He loved motorcycles, Formula One racing, single malt scotch, ice hockey, the Patriots, a hand of cards, a fine cigar, the companionship of good dogs, a hearty laugh, his second home in Nova Scotia and a fine meal. However, above all else, Woody loved being at the helm of a sailboat. As per his wishes, Woody’s ashes were spread at sea.

A life well lived. We mourn the loss of a memorable classmate.

Peter Levison ’56