Meet our Heritage Society Members


Meet our Heritage Society Members

Horton W. Lain ’55

Looking back at the 60 years since I graduated with the Class of 1955 is a testament to how much Webb influenced my life. My classmates and other graduates are among my best friends. Webb graduates opened up many opportunities I might not have had otherwise.

Design – and ship design in particular – fascinated me, and I followed those interests throughout my career. In 1955 there were three general categories of job opportunities available, which were to join the military, to work for a defense contractor, or to be drafted. I joined the Naval Reserve, and over a period of 31 years on active and inactive duty I learned how the Navy does ship operation, design, R&D, maintenance, and education. My last assignment was as the Technical Director for the Naval Reserve Engineering School, and I retired with the rank of Captain. My military service became very useful when merchant ship design work declined and many shipyards closed. My career included working for three shipyards, two R&D companies, and one design office. With all those job changes it was critical that I provide my own funds for my retirement.

Some years ago, when my future seemed secure, I decided that it would be a worthwhile goal to repay Webb’s investment in me. To determine how I was doing, I calculated my annual contribution as a percentage of Webb’s cost of operation per student for each year. The sum of those percentages is an estimate of the number of years of Webb education I had paid back to the Institute. Although I made a donation each year, I was dismayed to find how little I had repaid. Having already retired, I realized that I would never reach my goal through my annual contributions. After considering the many ways to make a planned gift to Webb, I opted to include a bequest in my will. During my retirement of 23 years, my wife and I have traveled by motor home through 49 states, Canada and Mexico. We are now permanently moored for medical reasons. For those who can, I recommend working on your bucket list while you are able!

Back to all stories