Mission
Preservation Foundation
Member, Wylie Aitken
Wylie Aitken was born in Detroit, Michigan, and
attended Santa Ana College and Cal Sate Fullerton (then called Orange
State). He received a Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University
in 1965, and is a founding partner of Aitken Aitken & Cohn in Santa
Ana.
Mr. Aitken joined the Board at the suggestion
of fellow directors Tony Moiso, Bob McDonough, and Mike Hagan, "with
the thought, among other things, that my North County roots would
broaden the base for Mission San Juan Capistrano, a countywide and
national treasure." It's his hope, in fact, that all of Orange County
will embrace its Mission as "'their' treasure, and not just that
of the San Juan Capistrano community."
Among his many duties on the Board, he is working
to find funding sources within the government and private foundations
to fund Mission preservation. He lists the Mission's strengths as
its glorious tradition, success in its preservation efforts, symbolism
to people of all faiths, strong board, "even stronger Executive
Director" and the support received from Mission Pastor Arthur Holquin
and Bishop of Orange Tod Brown.
Mechelle Lawrence, Executive Director, expressed
her gratitude for Mr. Aitken's service on the Board, remarking,
"Wylie has been a huge supporter of the Mission and its need for
State preservation funding. He brings regional support to Orange
County's only mission and has been instrumental in getting wider
recognition for support of its education and museum programs."
Outside of the office, Mr. Aitken loves tennis
and enjoys involvement in public policy issues, particularly related
to education. He is married to wife Bette and has three children,
"all of whom are attorneys and are married to attorneys," and seven
grandchildren.
