What better way to honor the memory of a dedicated public servant who believed in the power of education than to make a gift to his alma mater?
That was the inspiration for a gift from Mr. Duane Baxter and Mrs. Reta Presby, friends of the late beloved Ray Burton ’62, who was the longest-serving executive counselor in the state’s history. Mr. Baxter’s and Mrs. Presby’s extraordinary generosity has made the Ray Burton ’62 Open Laboratory at Plymouth State a reality.
On Monday, November 28, 2016, more than 60 people gathered in Lamson Learning Commons to celebrate Burton’s memory and to tour the space that provides campus and the community with a technologically advanced laboratory in which to collaborate, learn, and succeed.
Former Governor (now US Senator) Maggie Hassan, Senator Jeff Woodburn, and Executive Councilor Joe Kenney each spoke about Burton’s passion and commitment to the people of the North Country and New Hampshire while Trevor Chandler ’09, who interned in Burton’s office, spoke about Burton’s gift for mentoring and encouraging people to become actively involved in their government. Duane Baxter noted that Burton would have wholeheartedly embraced PSU’s concept of open laboratories, which emphasizes collaboration and hands-on learning, because it reflects the opportunities Burton provided his interns. “Open laboratories are an on-campus manifestation of his internship program, where students had the chance to roll up their sleeves and work alongside faculty and community partners to tackle real-world challenges.”
Top of page: Mrs. Reta Presby and Mr. Duane Baxter at the dedication of the Ray Burton ’62 Open Laboratory in Lamson Learning Commons. Ian Halter photo.
Get an inside look at the Burton Open Lab and the dedication ceremony here:
Tags: clusters Duane Baxter integrated clusters open lab open laboratory Ray Burton Reta Presby the Raymond S. Burton '62 Open Laboratory
