Former footballer and runner is a model of service to Bates and to his community

David O. Boone was born July 11, 1936 in Englewood, N.J., and came to Bates in the fall of 1958. He spent three years in the U.S. Marine corps from 1955 to 1958 prior to entering Bates. While a student, he played varsity football, ran indoor and outdoor track, and was class vice president all four years. He majored in economics and was elected to the College Club (now the College Key) upon graduation.

Dave played halfback on the Bates football team all four years and fondly remembers his senior season, when Bates fought the undefeated Yankee Conference champion University of Maine to a 13-13 tie on Garcelon Field.

David also ran the leadoff leg on the Bates mile relay team which may stand as the record for the old Gray Cage. In addition to being a sub–50-second quarter miler, David was also a Maine state champion in the long jump with a best jump of over 23 feet. He served as track team co-captain for indoor and outdoor track in his senior year.

As an alumnus, both he and his wife, Carol Huntington Boone ‘ 63, have actively participated in Alumni in Admissions and volunteered as class agents. The Boones were volunteers for their 25th, 30th and 45th reunion gift committees, as well as the past three campaigns and the fundraising efforts for Pettengill Hall.

In the 1970s, Mr. Boone played a major role supporting the efforts of then–Dean of Admissions Bill Hiss ’66 to establish the minority weekend program. He was a member of the search committee that selected President Hansen.

In 1977, Boone acquired and served as the chairman and CEO for three manufacturing subsidiaries of LPI located in Ohio: Judd industries inc., LaGrange screw products and Miller Gear Company. He was also a director of the National Development Council and the Council of Concerned Black Executives.

David retired as chairman of LaGrange products inc. (LPI) in July 1998. Established in 1962, LPI originally manufactured galvanized water tanks for the recreational vehicle industry, but expanded to produce tanks and pressure vessels for the air compressor, paint spraying and surface preparation industries. He currently serves as a volunteer for e city of Cleveland, Ohio, where he helps inner city middle school students develop and present their business plans in city wide competition.

Mr. Boone spent 10 years prior to his tenure with LPI as president and founder of Boone, Young & Associates Inc., a broad-based management consulting firm incorporated in 1968, primarily to serve minority businesses. Benjamin Mays ’19 was one of the first directors of the company.

In 1988, David was elected to the board of overseers. He was elevated to the Board of Fellows in 1992 and served on the executive, admissions and financial aid (co-chair), college and external relations, and college infrastructure committees. He retired from the board in May 2005, was elected to emeritus status, and is a member of the Cheney Society.

In June 2002, the Boones received the Helen A. Papaioanou ’49 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

In 2007, David became one of the founding members of the Friends of Bates Athletics Leadership Council, and in 2009, he served on the Trustee Athletics Advisory Committee.

David and Carol live in Westlake, Ohio. They have three adult daughters: Karin Boone Manzoni ’87, Dana Boone Becker, and Nicole Boone. Mr. Boone’s brother and sister-in-law are Nate Boone ‘ 52 and Harriet Howell Boone ’52, P’82. The Boones hope their grandson will be a Bates student at the time of their 50th and their daughter’s 25th reunions.

For his incredible years of volunteerism and support of the college, his dedication of service and leadership to his communities, we are all honored to welcome David Boone, Class of 1962, into the membership of the Bates Scholar-Athlete Society.