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Ripple Effect
Ed McLaughlin’s gift helps propel the next generation of scientists
By Laura Johnson Freeman ’96
When Ed “Skip” McLaughlin ’78, P11, P10 was captain of the rowing team at Holy Cross, he probably didn’t spend much time thinking about the wake behind his boat in terms of the intricate laws of physics—or, considering the chemical properties of the water flowing beneath it. As a history major, he took only a handful of courses in the sciences—but what McLaughlin didn’t realize while pulling the oars on Lake Quinsigamond was that a Holy Cross science education would play an important role during one of the most critical moments of his life.
An Unexpected Turn
McLaughlin’s interest in science developed in a number of ways after graduation. First, he married a woman with a longstanding commitment to medicine: A practicing dentist, his wife, Barbara Boyd, completed premedical training at the University of Arkansas and earned her graduate degree at Baylor Dental School in Dallas. And, McLaughlin would later enjoy watching the progress of the couple’s children as they excelled in math and science.
After graduating from Holy Cross, McLaughlin concentrated his energies on the business world. Building a career in real estate development and management, he founded a real estate services firm called USI Companies (later folded into Johnson Controls)—and now heads the combined firm’s Global WorkPlace Solutions business throughout North and South America.
In the spring of 1998, however, science suddenly took center stage in his life when his wife and mother both were diagnosed with breast cancer within a month’s time.
“I was reeling,” McLaughlin recalls of that time. “When you get that kind of news, you think about your young family.
“I never expected this to happen,” he adds. “It shakes you to the core.”
The McLaughlins initially sought care from local physicians, until classmate and oldest friend, Don Froude, suggested they get in touch with one of the preeminent breast cancer specialists in the nation: David Wazer ’78. McLaughlin had no trouble locating him; roommates for three years at Holy Cross; they had been close friends ever since.
Over the years, Wazer—now the radiation oncologist-in-chief at Tufts-New England Medical Center—had become an accomplished researcher known for his pioneering work in cancer therapy. The McLaughlins turned to Wazer and his staff, who provided them with outstanding care and guided them through the mystifying process of analysis and treatment.
When McLaughlin reflects on the experience, he is grateful to Holy Cross for educating a friend whose knowledge and skill made such a positive impact on his family. Indeed, Wazer says the rigorous, research-based education he received at Holy Cross was the underpinning of his future work. Currently researching genes that are important in breast cancer development, he is designing highly targeted radiation therapies that are less toxic than existing treatments.
Supporting Interdisciplinary Science
Wazer is one of many Holy Cross graduates whose work in medicine and other scientific fields is affecting lives in tangible ways.
With this in mind, McLaughlin has committed $600,000 to support the creation of Holy Cross’ new integrated science complex—which will incorporate the study of chemistry, physics, biology, psychology, and mathematics and computer science in one location. As a result, the next generation of Holy Cross students will have the opportunity to investigate the most intriguing questions in science today, found at the intersection of these fields.
The first phase of the project involves the construction of a new, four-story structure between Swords and Beaven halls, which will house laboratory and lecture spaces. McLaughlin’s gift will be used to create the first classroom within the new building—a 72-seat sloped room outfitted with sophisticated audio-visual equipment and wireless Internet technology.
“This will truly be a prime space,” says Charles S. “Chick” Weiss, director of grants, foundation and corporate giving. “It will be the first thing you see when you walk into the new building, and hundreds of students and faculty will use it every day.”
Construction of the new building, which began in March, is slated for completion in December of 2008. At that point will begin the next phase of the project—gutting and renovating Haberlin Hall. Ultimately, Haberlin will be home to the entire physics and chemistry departments and about half of the mathematics and computer science department.
One of the most attractive aspects of the new complex, according to McLaughlin is that—in addition to supporting students majoring in science—it will also help generate excitement among non-majors, students who are wading into the study of science on the college-level for the first time.
“I’ve always thought the true power of a liberal arts education lies in the fact that it does not force students to be overly specialized,” he says. “It’s about exploring a wide range of ideas and experiencing everything from philosophy to physics.”
A Lifelong Connection
In addition to contributing to the construction of the new science center, McLaughlin has demonstrated his dedication to Holy Cross in many ways over the years. A consistently generous contributor to the Holy Cross Fund, he typically earmarks his donations to support scholarships, the rowing team and the New York Leadership Council.
McLaughlin, who credits Holy Cross for providing him with the sense of values and judgment that have been the cornerstone of his career in business, is also grateful for his close friendships with classmates—particularly David Wazer and Don Froude.
“For me, it’s been a lifelong connection,” McLaughlin says. “We’ve supported each other over the course of many years and that’s why I feel so strongly about supporting the school.”
Laura Johnson Freeman ’96 is a freelance writer from Milton, Mass.
Reprinted from the Summer 2007 edition of the Holy Cross Magazine.