The Amazing First Lady of Westminster

When asked to describe the woman who is his partner in his professional as well as personal life, President Forsythe sums up Westminster’s First Lady Jane Forsythe in one word—“amazing.”  Anyone who is even remotely involved with activities at Westminster College or civic work for the city of Fulton would echo those sentiments.

“It is a bittersweet event to think that both Jane and Barney will be leaving the College and the community,” says Charles Riley, who serves with Jane on the Fulton State Hospital Board and says he has been well acquainted with the wives of Westminster Presidents for more than 50 years. “I can say without equivocation that Jane has contributed more to the College and community than have any other spouses.”

When the couple arrived at Westminster, Jane began to find her way immediately.  Education Professor Dr. Linda Aulgur recalls being anxious to meet Jane because Barney had mentioned she was a teacher, but she found no hesitation on Jane’s part. “She became a team player in the Education Department right away and has supervised dozens of young teachers in their final student internships—guiding, encouraging, and launching them into successful careers,” says Dr. Aulgur.

From those very first days, Jane has immersed herself in the Westminster culture.  She is involved in the tutoring program; teaches yoga; serves on the Board of the Friends of the National Churchill Museum; opens up the President’s Residence constantly as a gracious hostess to students, faculty, staff, Trustees, alumni, and guests; and travels wherever needed for the countless activities that a College President attends.

“Westminster is such a special place,” says Jane.  “It has the academic mindset of a big school with a small town, family environment.  It makes you feel like you are a part of something exciting and dynamic, yet comfortable and familiar.”

For the past two years, Jane has donated time to the spiritual life of the College as well. “Through her participation in the Prayer Team, it is clear how much she cares,” says College Chaplain Jamie Haskins.  “Opening up her heart to both the joys and sorrows of the entire College community.”

In addition to contributing to numerous civic causes, such as the city Historic Preservation Commission and the United Way, Jane has also become a spiritual life leader in the community, serving as Church Warden and Treasurer for St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.  “Jane serves in a variety of church leadership roles with boundless energy and an infectious positive spirit,” says the Vicar, Reverend Dr. Marshall Crossnoe.

Another example of her unselfish and giving nature, closer to home, when she and President Forsythe decided to offer refuge in their home from the dangers of Afghanistan to President Forsythe’s Chief Translator Sardar Sherzad and his family, Jane helped Sardar’s wife Breshna learn English and has acted as a surrogate aunt to their five children.

“Fulton will miss Jane and Barney. People like them come around once in many years,” says Riley.

Jane Forsythe embodies the combination of dynamic energy and comfortable, familiar spirit that she used to describe Westminster, and she has enriched both the College and the Fulton community by her presence and contributions.