Planting a Cypress Tree, 1981

September 1981

A photograph of Springfield College president Wilbert E. Locklin, Mrs. Locklin, and president Zhong Shi-tong of Beijing Institute of Physical Education, now Beijing Sport University planting a cypress tree on the Beijing Institute campus in September 1981. The Cypress tree was donated by the Locklins and symbolizes the growing relationship between the two sister institutions. Dr. Wilbert E. Locklin (April 2, 1920 – March 4, 2006) was raised in Washington, D.C. He graduated from John Hopkins University in 1942. During World War II, he served on bomber crews and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his military service, Locklin returned to work at Johns Hopkins. In 1965, Locklin was named president of Springfield College, where he served for twenty years. He was responsible for raising funds and developing strategic plans for Babson Library, Cheney Dining Hall, Fuller Arts Center, Gulick Hall, the Physical Education Complex, Linkletter Natatorium, and the Towne Health Center. He also introduced new academic programs in business, physical therapy, and YMCA studies. Furthermore, he was the driving force in expanding the college's international scope through his development of programs in China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia. Following his retirement in 1985, Locklin founded Locklin Management Services, which helped local nonprofit organizations with fundraising.