Gordon Shelton’s Bequest Honors Former Teacher, Benefits Future Student Success

Gordon Shelton ’64 owes a lot to his sophomore science teacher who had an impact on his life. It is why he established a bequest to honor A. Ogden “Bugs” Ramsay.

Gordon’s family learned about McDonogh after his father, a fighter pilot, was killed in an Air National Guard training exercise. Guard members urged Gordon’s mother to have her son, then only nine, take the McDonogh entrance exam.

“McDonogh taught me important study habits and self-discipline,” Gordon says. “It also influenced me to choose a coeducational college after years at a then-all-male school!” He shares that biology class with Bugs Ramsey inspired him to continue studying biology in college, spawning a 50-year dental career, which he continues to enjoy full time to this day.

The Gordon B. Shelton ’64 Science Fund in honor of A. Ogden “Bugs” Ramsay was established to recognize this legendary teacher and ensure that McDonogh continues to offer the same outstanding science education that Bugs provided during his 44 years at McDonogh. With this planned gift, Gordon hopes that future faculty members follow in Bugs’ footsteps to teach students to become self-reliant, critical thinkers who can form, test, and revise their ideas.

“Do it!” Gordon advises anyone considering a planned gift to McDonogh. “It’s painless and a wonderful way to leave a legacy.”