Washington & Jefferson College Athletics

The Cameron Family, 2006 Robert M. Murphy Award Winners, has been synonymous with Washington & Jefferson College and the city of Washington, Pa., for years. Richard R. Cameron and Edwina W. Cameron and their children have had a direct impact on countless students and scholar-athletes at W&J for the past three decades. This positive impact has come in a number of different ways. Dick and Winnie’s son, James W. Cameron, is a 1980 W&J graduate and a former member of the men’s basketball team. He played in 42 games over his two seasons on the squad and was a co-captain during his senior year. Jim, who was also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, began serving on the College’s Board of Trustees in 2005. Jim’s wife, Nancy, is a 1981 W&J graduate. One of Jim and Nancy’s four children, Justin, is a 2006 W&J graduate and was one of the top lacrosse players for the Presidents.

Lynn Cameron Riotto is a 1987 W&J graduate and one of the most successful swimmers in school history. As a freshman, she qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in the 50 freestyle in her first collegiate meet. She then traveled to Atlanta, Ga., for the championship event. After making the finals, Lynn took 12th place with a time of 25.28 seconds which earned her All-America honors. Following the season, Lynn was named the Presidents’ Team MVP. Lynn was a member of the W&J Board of Trustees from 1999-2004 and is also a former member of the Alumni Executive Council. Winnie Cameron received an honorary degree from Washington & Jefferson College in 2000 and has also received the Distinguished Service Award from the alumni body. She has served on the College’s Board of Trustees since 1987 and is now a Trustee Emeritus.

The Cameron Family has been lifelong supporters of W&J and its programs, including the Pete Henry Society, W&J Annual Fund, Pete Henry Golf Outing, Scarborough Prize and Olin Stage Players. In addition, the Camerons are lifetime members of the John McMillan Society. Before the 1999-2000 school year, College Field was redesigned and expanded, thanks to a commitment from Dick and Winnie Cameron, Don and Sally Cameron, Jim and Nancy Cameron, Steven and Diane Cameron, and Lynn Cameron Riotto and family to update and enhance the aging facility.

The gift, one of the five largest in the history of the College, underscored the singular partnership that exists between the College and the community. Cameron Stadium is one of the top facilities in all of Division III athletics. The family also funded the digital scoreboard projects at Cameron Stadium, Henry Memorial Center, Ross Memorial Park and Alexandre Stadium.