Deceased October 15, 1995
A remarkable woman who has stood the test of time, Dorothy S. Washburn served as a role model for her excellence in both career and philanthropy after graduating from the Fox School with a MBA in 1950. Local to Philadelphia, Washburn started out as a clerk-typist at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard during World War II, and worked her way up in procurement, eventually overseeing billion dollar contracts.
“Dot,” as she was known, served the military in various capacities, including as an officer in SPARS, the former women’s unit of the Coast Guard. She also dabbled in logistics and production, and achieved the title of Air Force Reserve Lieutenant Colonel. It wasn’t unusual for Washburn to find herself as the only female on the various teams and staff where she was employed. She even served an 18-month tour in civilian management for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy in Washington, D.C. Highly decorated for service to country, Washburn received nine outstanding performance awards from both the Air Force and Army, along with medals for meritorious civilian service. She was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. Having received her MBA from the Fox School, Washburn and her husband Chief Warrant Officer John R. Washburn of the U.S. Navy established the Washburn Endowed Chair in Marketing at Temple, with the goal to further enrich the quality of teaching and scholarship. Giving back was a trend over the entirety of Washburn’s life, as she served as a member of Temple’s Board of Managers and on the Board of the General Alumni Association. She also made it a point to volunteer at least 20 hours a week with organizations like the League of Women Voters, Magee Rehabilitation Center, and the city’s Recycling Advisory Committee.
Temple University Degree
Master of Business Administration ’50, Fox School of Business; Bachelor of Science ’31, Klein School of Media and Communication
Temple University Awards & Affiliatons
- Acres of Diamonds Circle
- Former Alumni Board member
- Certificate of Honor Award, 1974, General Alumni Association
- Founder’s Dinner Award, 1973