LYCOMING MOURNS PASSING

OF DAVID B SYKES ’38

David B Sykes ’38, of Boca Raton, Florida, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, passed away on March 26, 2007. Dr. Sykes’ generosity to Lycoming College has helped to assure the educational future of generations of students from Lycoming County. 

Dr. Sykes grew up in Williamsport and graduated from Williamsport Dickinson Junior College in 1938, predecessor of Lycoming College. He completed his bachelor’s degree at The Pennsylvania State University in 1940. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by Lycoming College in 1989.

After serving in World War II, Dr. Sykes joined the accounting firm of H.A. Schultz & Company. In 1955, he accepted the position of controller at Giant Food, Inc., the company from which he retired in 1996 as director, senior vice president of finance, corporate secretary, and chief financial officer.

In 1988, Dr. Sykes endowed a lectureship at the College. In 1999, he funded the David B Sykes Endowed Scholarship, the income of which is used for scholarships to students from Lycoming County who are majoring in accounting, business administration, or economics.

A supporter of both education and the arts, Dr. Sykes established an endowed professorship in finance at The Pennsylvania State University and an endowed scholarship with the Washington Ballet. He is also a supporter of the Holocaust Museum and Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, D.C.

In September 1999, Dr. Sykes and his wife, Diane, were honored at a special dedication ceremony of the College’s new entrance, a beautiful brick and wrought iron structure which bears the name of the “Sykes Gate.” Every fall semester, incoming freshmen pass through the gate located at the corner of Market Street and Little League Boulevard to begin their matriculation at Lycoming College. 

In October 2006, the College presented Dr. Sykes with the Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Dr. Sykes is survived by his wife, Diane Himmelfarb Sykes; children Ginny (John Goldsmith) Sykes, Terry (Diane) Gans, Marcy (Robert) Blumenfeld, and Lori (Ron) Bubes, and eight grandchildren.