Laatsch ’60, Ganfield grandson and former board president

Dr. William G. Laatsch ’60

Dr. William G. Laatsch ’60 passed away Sept. 14, 2022 at the age of 84. As part of one of Carroll’s most committed legacy families, Laatsch’s extensive family ties reach as far back as his grandfather, William Arthur Ganfield, who was professor of history at Carroll from 1904-1915 and served as the university’s fifth president from 1921-1939. His parents, Wayland ’28 and Elizabeth (Ganfield) ’27 Laatsch, and his father- and mother-in-law, Richard ’30 and Elizabeth (Hartopp) ’30 Hunter, all attended Carroll, as did several other family members. As a lifelong learner with a passion for his alma mater, Laatsch enthusiastically served on the Carroll Board of Trustees from 1991-2010, ultimately serving as chair from 2005-2010. He is survived by his wife, Fran Hunter; and children, Ann Laatsch ’88 and David Laatsch ’95, who carry on his legacy, both as current members on the Board of Trustees. Laatsch received the P.E. MacAllister Distinguished Alumni Award for Service to Carroll in 2002 for his long and extensive service to the university. His substantial Carroll legacy continues through the William G. Laatsch ‘60 Leadership Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing critical scholarship support to students actively engaged in campus programming in leadership positions, and the Richard N. and Elizabeth H. Hunter International Study Award, in honor of his in-laws, offering meaningful aid to scholars studying abroad or participating in cross-cultural experiences.