Dick ‘50 and Betty Calcott ‘53 Wootten Scholarship

Dick and Betty Wootten both graduated from Salisbury University, at the time State Teachers College. Dick received an Associate of Arts degree in 1950 and continued on at Goldey-Beacom Business College. Following a four-year tour of duty in the U. S. Navy, Dick joined his father in establishing Wootten Welding Supplies, Inc., at which he served in many capacities culminating in President and Chairman of the Board. Betty was a member of the class of 1953 however she and Dick had married in 1951 and had their first child the following year and a second two years after that so she delayed the remainder of her college education, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education. She student taught at both Campus Elementary School, the primary school on the grounds of State Teachers College which both of their children attended, and at Pemberton Elementary School. Following graduation, she worked for several years in foster care and adoption for the Wicomico Department of Social Services.

Both Dick and Betty believed in the importance of education and invested throughout their lives to provide an education for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dick passed away in 2011 but Betty has carried on their belief in the power of education. By establishing the Dick ’50 and Betty Calcott’53 Scholarship Fund they have assured that others will benefit from an SU education and that there will be more qualified students able to participate in the Teacher Education program.

As Betty says “I chose to support SU student scholarships because both Dick and I graduated from SU; it is our alma mater. I have many happy memories of my experiences there playing field hockey and basketball in addition to my coursework.” It is her hope that others will find the same enjoyment in their SU education.