An Ardent Champion

Enthusiastic, thoughtful, attentive, compassionate — all describe Dorothy “Dottie” Nowland Gabig ’61, P ’89, this year’s Olde Guarde Distinguished Service Award winner, but the word that comes up again and again is “dedicated.” Over more than six decades, Gabig has served her alma mater as a volunteer leader, generous donor and beloved friend to many.

“Perhaps it stems from her undergraduate years as a W&M cheerleader, but Dottie has never stopped being an ardent champion for William & Mary,” says her nominator, Micki Leef Stout ’65.

Gabig has served on the W&M Alumni Association Board and the W&M Libraries Board. She helped lead class gift efforts for her 40th, 45th and 50th reunions and is a charter member of the Society of 1918, W&M’s giving society committed to growing the engagement, leadership and philanthropy of W&M Women at the Alma Mater of the Nation.

She is also a devoted Delta Delta Delta, known for writing hand-written notes to her sisters and opening her home to them. She brings her ability to build relationships and her delightful sense of humor to everything she does.

Gabig shares her love of alma mater with her husband, honorary alumnus Albert “Jack” J. Gabig HON ’05, P ’89, her daughters Laurianne Gabig Dragelin ’89, M.A.Ed. ’91 and Karyn Bowman, and her sons-in-law Timothy “Tim” J. Dragelin ’89 and and Keith Bowman.

“Recipients of this award show exceptional dedication, involvement and continued service to the university,” said Katherine “Kathy” Burge Callaway ’68, chair of the Olde Guarde Council. “Dottie epitomizes what the Olde Guarde represents for our alma mater.”