Lives of Consequence
Janet Vandervort Cable '45
Janet Vandervort Cable's tremendous lifetime of generosity has remarkably altered the course of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In June 2008, Hobart and William Smith and local community leaders gathered to dedicate the Vandervort Room on the second floor of the Scandling Campus Center and pay tribute to Cable for her dedication to and financial support of the Colleges.
An homage to Paul and Grace Vandervort, the parents who made Cable's William Smith education possible, the banquet room has become the nucleus of activity on campus, hosting events from admissions open houses and community celebrations to luncheons, receptions and musical performances. Designed by alumna Pamela Lucas Rew '81, of KSS Architects, and made a reality by the generous spirit of Cable, the Vandervort Room also serves as a space for students to connect with the community when hosting area groups such as Boys and Girls Club, Geneva Arts Council, Geneva African American Men's Association, the regional spelling bee and many more.
Cable was born on Feb. 7, 1923 in Chicago, Ill. She graduated from Lehman High School in 1941, where she was active in sports and horseback riding. With the encouragement and support of her parents, Cable received a bachelor's degree in sociology from William Smith, where she was involved in the Herald, Schola Contorum, and Outing Club. She was also a member of the field hockey team.
After graduating from William Smith, Cable served as a volunteer for the Red Cross during World War II. She continued her volunteer work for a number of organizations throughout her lifetime, including the Canton Art Institute, Stark County Historical Society, Player Theater Guild, YWCA and as a member of the Canton Junior League. She was on the Board of Trustees of Canton Women's Club and United Fund Health Foundation. Cable also served as Reunion Chair for the Colleges in 2000.
In addition to their gift to the Colleges for the creation of the Vandervort Room, John and Janet Vandervort '45 Cable established the Grace Galloway Vandervort Scholarship in honor of Janet's mother. The scholarship provides crucial financial assistance to William Smith students majoring in history.