The name of Heath McLendon, a longtime university trustee and former board chair whose contributions helped shape the Drew of today, was bestowed on Drew's 'new dorm' built in 2008-09.

Drew President Robert Weisbuch had this to say about Heath McLendon on the occasion of the building's naming:

Heath first came to know Drew in the 1970s when he agreed to help with the New Jersey Shakespeare Theatre’s fundraising.  It was through the theatre that he became acquainted with then-President Paul Hardin , who later invited him to join Drew’s board of trustees.  He began his tenure on the board in 1977, served as chair between 1992 and 1997, and was granted emeritus status in 2007. 

In the late 1990s, as a respected member of New York’s high finance world, Heath was instrumental in creating Drew’s popular Wall Street Semester program.  Throughout his 32-year relationship with the university, he has established himself as one of its most generous donors, often giving in support of capital projects-the construction of the William E. and Carol G. Simon Forum and Athletic Center , the renovation of the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theater and Seminary Hall, and the resurfacing of the field in Ranger Stadium, to name a few.

After a distinguished career in finance that spanned over five decades, Heath recently retired from Citigroup’s Smith Barney division, where he served as managing director and chairman of the Equity Research Policy Committee.  Prior to that, he served the company as its chairman of strategy advisors and chairman of mutual funds.  Earlier in his career, he was the chairman of the Italy Fund, Inc., and the managing director and executive vice president of Shearson Hammill & Co.

In naming the new building for Heath, we also honor his wife Judy and the other members of his family, all of whom have been very supportive of Drew over the years.