Sumner Mathias Drayer (1872-1967)

Born in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Sumner Drayer studied at the Dickinson Preparatory School. He married Agnes Pettigrew on March 17, 1906. Among numerous business ventures, Drayer served as the president of the Voneiff-Drayer company, which operated the chain of Miss America Candy Stores.

As a prominent businessman, he joined the Board of Trustees of Dickinson College in 1933. Over the years, he and his wife donated generously of their time and money to the college. Most notably, they contributed a large portion of the costs for the construction of the first women's dormitory built expressly for that purpose by the College. This building, Drayer Hall, bears their name in recognition of their substantial gift.

Though he never enrolled in the College, Sumner Drayer was awarded a degree by appointment as a member of the Class of 1902 for his service to the school. Agnes Pettigrew-Drayer died on January 31, 1954 and Sumner Drayer died on February 3, 1967 at the age of 95.