ALVA O. WAY

WAY--Alva O. International business leader and beloved husband of Eleonore Way and father of Cynthia, Karin, and Peter, died on September 15 at the age of 81. A native of Schenectady, New York, Al Way served two years in the army and graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in economics in 1951. Al Way's career took him to the pinnacle of some of America's major corporations. He began his career at General Electric Corporation, working in various financial positions in the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. In 1970, he became Vice President of Honeywell Information Systems. Three years later, he rejoined General Electric as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, serving also on G.E.'s Corporate Policy Committee. He was pivotal in establishing GE Capital. In 1979, he accepted the position of Vice Chairman of the American Express Company and in 1981 was named President of American Express, serving also as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express International Banking Corporation. He went on to become President, Director, and Chairman of the Travelers Corporation in 1983 and also served as Chairman of its Investment Committee. In 1985, he was named Chairman of the Board of IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company in New York and was also a consultant to and director of Schroders plc in London. Well-known for his sound judgment and insight, he served as Director of Dayton Hudson, Eli Lilly, Gould, The Guidant Corporation, the Fireman's Fund, McGraw Hill, Ryder System, and Warner Amex Cable Communications. He was a Trustee of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, the Committee for Economic Development, and the Conference Board. Al Way was especially passionate about education and deeply grateful for the opportunities that his education at Brown University provided him. He expressed his deep commitment to Brown by serving for 31 years on Brown's corporation--as Chancellor for nine years, Fellow for 11 years, and Trustee for 11 years. As Chancellor, he presided over the Campaign for the Rising Generation, which raised over $527 million, at the time the largest fundraising effort in the university's history. In 1991, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from Brown and in 1992 the Independent Award, which acknowledged his self-reliance, integrity, and vision. In 1997, the university established the Alva Way Professorship in his honor. He generously supported numerous charities in education, medicine, and the arts. He is survived by his wife Eleonore; sister Ruth Senior (widow of Bruce Senior); brother Paul Way (husband of Terri Way); former sister-in-law Carol Way; his children Peter Way (husband of Frances Way), Karin LaPann (wife of David LaPann), and Cynthia Way; and his grandchildren Brian LaPann, Kathryn LaPann, Monica Way, Daniel Way, and Julia Way. Swan Funeral Home in Old Saybrook, CT will be handling the service. A memorial will be held at Brown University. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to the Margaret S. Way Scholarship at Brown University (Box 1877, Providence, RI, 02912) or Middlesex Hospital and Weiss Hospice Unit (28 Crescent St, Middletown, CT, 06457 Attn: Office of Philanthropy).