Dr. Richard Wilkin and Dr. George Whitson, center, are honored for their service to the University at a Board of Trustees meeting May 2. Also pictured are Dr. DeBow Freed, left, president of UF, and Dr. C. Richard Beckett, right, chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The University of Findlay’s Board of Trustees elected Richard Wilkin and George Whitson as trustees emeriti at its meeting May 2.

Dr. Wilkin graduated from then-Findlay College in 1952 and served as a trustee since 1985. He was honored in 1973 as a Distinguished Alumnus, and the University awarded Wilkin an honorary doctor of divinity degree in 1975.

In 1992, he was named a Distinguished Associate. Wilkin was a pastor for the Churches of God, General Conference, from 1951-1970; he then served as the denomination’s chief executive from 1970-1987. From then until 1992, Wilkin was the director of the Institute for Biblical Studies, Field Education and assistant professor in Christian ministries at Winebrenner Theological Seminary.

“I feel like I bleed orange and black,” said Wilkin. “Being a trustee has been an opportunity to pay back the blessings I received as a student here.”

Dr. Whitson served as a trustee since 1992. In 1991, he was honored by the University as a Distinguished Associate, and in 2004, received an honorary doctor of business development degree.

Whitson has worked in northwest Ohio since 1965 as a commercial real estate developer. He has overseen development in Findlay west of Interstate 75 and in other areas of Findlay, Bowling Green and northwest Ohio communities.

“This is a wonderful University,” said Whitson, “and I’ll still be here helping.”

C. Richard Beckett, D.V.M., chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented both Wilkin and Whitson with a framed citation and artwork depicting Old Main. He thanked both men for their hard work and dedication to the institution.