President Locklin, Bartolome, and First (June 1979)

June 1979

This photograph, taken prior to the Alumni Reunion ceremonies in June 1979, shows President Locklin (center) standing with two Springfield College alumni from the class of 1929: Candido C. Bartolome (left) and Joseph A. First (right). They are standing in front of a large map marked with multiple flags. Bartolome was a guiding force behind the Olympic movement in the Philippines and First was associated with the YMCA in Czechoslavakia. During that weekend’s ceremonies, Bartolome was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award. 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.