Sidney Mishkin: ‘My life began at Wilmington College’
Wilmington College alumnus Sidney Mishkin recalls visiting the campus with a video camera many years after his graduation in 1959. He aimed the camera at Marble Hall, the dormitory where he lived upon his arrival as a freshman in 1955.
“When I pressed the record button, I didn’t plan to say anything,” he said, “but I did, spontaneously. I said, ‘This is where my life began.’ My life began at Wilmington College and whatever I have done philanthropically has been a small attempt to repay a debt of gratitude that I owe the College.”
(ABOVE) President Jim Reynolds (RIGHT) presents Sidney Mishkin for the OFIC's Hall of Excellence.
The Ohio Foundation of Independent College’s inducted Mishkin into the 2015 class of its Hall of Excellence during a banquet Thursday (April 16) at The Westin Hotel in Columbus.
In presenting Indianapolis resident Mishkin, WC President Jim Reynolds spoke of his successful law career and support for the College that includes endowing a number of scholarships and serving 12 years on the Board of Trustees (2002-2014), six of which he was chair. He mentioned how Mishkin employed a “full repertoire” of skills in leading the Board.
“He was patient, kind and supportive, but, when it was necessary, Sid took center stage to guide his fellow trustees to decisions that have served Wilmington College well,” Reynolds said in describing Mishkin as a “man of integrity and wholeness.”
Mishkin is retired from a long career as one of Indianapolis’ most prominent attorneys. During their retirement, he and his wife of 53 years, Sharon, have traveled extensively. He recalled how his experience at the College opened up a world of possibilities to the young man from Donora, Pa.
“When I enrolled into Wilmington, I had some promise, but I really had very little self confidence – but that changed,” he said in lauding the “first-rate” faculty and opportunities he had for self-actualization.
“By the time I graduated, I really felt as though I could compete with anyone,” Mishkin added. “There is something very special about Wilmington College.”
