Olin D. Gay, 1905
Olin served as a trustee of Vermont academy from 1921 until his death in 1977.
For his dedication to Vermont Academy and civic leadership in the state, Vermont Academy honors Olin D. Gay, class of 1905, with the Florence Sabin Distinguished Alumni Award. Gay served as a trustee of Vermont academy from 1921 until his death in 1977. He became a board president when the Academy was nearly bankrupt, and was an integral in the school’s financial recovery. He later served as chairman of buildings and grounds. With a hands-on approach, Gay was actively involved in the school’s welfare.
In 1934, he brought Laurence Leavitt to Vermont Academy. Leavitt became headmaster and was exceptional. In the 40s, Gay helped the board of trustees put a bill through legislature to sever the legal ties between Vermont Academy and the Vermont Baptists. Gay served two terms in the Vermont House of Representatives, was on the Vermont State Senate for nearly 20 years, and was Chairman of the Senate Institutions Committee for 15 years, playing a major role in improving Vermont’s corrections department. Of all the sons of Vermont Academy, surely no one has served his Alma Mater so long, or so well.” – Dorothy Leavitt
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In 1934, he brought Laurence Leavitt to Vermont Academy. Leavitt became headmaster and was exceptional. In the 40s, Gay helped the board of trustees put a bill through legislature to sever the legal ties between Vermont Academy and the Vermont Baptists. Gay served two terms in the Vermont House of Representatives, was on the Vermont State Senate for nearly 20 years, and was Chairman of the Senate Institutions Committee for 15 years, playing a major role in improving Vermont’s corrections department. Of all the sons of Vermont Academy, surely no one has served his Alma Mater so long, or so well.” – Dorothy Leavitt
Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
