Hubert Perry ’35 – alumnus, former member of the Board of Trustees and surely one of the longest living Poets – died on February 20. He was 102.
"A role model for all Poets, Hubert’s commitment to serving his community and giving back to Whittier College were unparalleled. His optimistic attitude and way of living kept him vibrant, alert, and smart, almost to the day of his passing," said Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger.
A long-time resident of the City of Whittier and active community member, Perry served on the Whittier College Board of Trustees for nearly twenty years, from 1970 until 1988, and held the honorable status of Trustee Emeritus. Hubert’s joy for helping Whittier students achieve their dreams will be a lasting legacy at the College for generations to come. His commitment to the College led an admiring fellow Poet to establish the Hubert Perry Travel Scholarship, which has enabled more than 100 students to study in China.
After graduating from Whittier College with a B.A. in business administration, Perry earned an MBA at Stanford University. In 1942, he took time off from a burgeoning banking career to serve in the U.S. Navy. After WWII, Hubert had a successful banking career including important roles at Bank of America in Los Angeles. In the 1950s, he became the chief banking official involved in the building of Friendly Hills in Whittier and was also involved in the founding of PIH Health. His leadership is credited for making PIH one of the few regional hospitals in California that has been growing and thriving financially through the years. A contemporary and close friend of Richard M. Nixon '34, Hubert also helped build the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda.
He was predeceased by his lovely wife, Louise, and is survived by their children, Brian, Ellen, Mark, and Lee, as well as several grand- and great-grandchildren. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, March 5 at 2 p.m. at the First Friends Church Meetinghouse, located at 13205 Philadelphia Street in Whittier.
