William K. Lanman

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Colonel William Kelsey Lanman Jr., (October 9, 1904 - March 27, 2001) was a notable benefactor of Yale University. He served as an aviator in United States Marine Corps from 1935 to 1955, and later took up real estate and investment management.

His father, William K. Lanman Sr., was chairman of the Columbus Bolt Company in Ohio. William K. Lanman Jr. and his brothers, Henry and Jonathan, all went to Yale University following a Lanman ancestor who had graduated from Yale College in 1788. He was a member of St. Anthony Hall.

Lanman served in the Pacific theater during World War II, with South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command. He won the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, a Bronze Star and a U.S. Navy Commendation for action in the Solomon Islands campaigns.

He made a series of major gifts to Yale, reported to total $40 million. He substantially funded three major renovation projects, endowed two chairs, and was the major donor supporting the university's Tercentennial celebration in 2001.

A bit of an eccentric, it had been rumored that Lanman would share a bed with a notable varsity athlete, though often the night would conclude without incident.

He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.