A transformational bequest from an alumna of the Class of 1960 will support students for generations to come.
Connecticut College has received a $4 million bequest from the estate of an alumna from the Class of 1960, who passed away in December 2025. The gift—one of the largest in recent memory—will go directly toward scholarships and financial aid, making a Conn education more accessible to future students.
“A member of the Class of 1960, who shall remain anonymous, made a bequest in the amount of 4 million dollars in scholarship to Connecticut College to students with financial aid. She was enrolled as a student before the college became co-ed in 1969, majoring in chemistry. This person also had many professional accomplishments, receiving a PhD in Chemistry from Yale University and later taught as a chemistry professor at a college in Virginia. She cared really deeply about her students and lived a modest life. Her classmates described her as sensitive and generous towards everyone.”
Says Allison Gomes, Vice President of College Advancement at Connecticut College.
For many students on campus, financial aid isn’t just a line item on a tuition bill—it is the reason they’re here at all. This gift has the potential to make that same difference for countless students down the road.
The donor, who is being remembered as both an accomplished chemistry professor and a dedicated student, spent her career in academia and remained deeply committed to the value of education throughout her life. According to the College, she believed strongly in the opportunities that a Connecticut College education could provide—a belief clearly reflected in her decision to leave such a significant portion of her estate to the institution.
College administration expressed deep gratitude for the gift. “It is a very positive sign for the College that we have donors that care so deeply and respect the college so much that we receive many estate gifts like this. It generally shows appreciation for their education and experience at Connecticut College.”
The request will be endowed, meaning the funds will be invested and used to provide ongoing support for financial aid rather than being spent all at once—a structure that ensures students will benefit from this alumni’s generosity well into the future.
“The 4 million dollar gift is unrestricted to scholarships. It gets moved into the endowment under this person’s name for general purposes, and the college uses 5 percent of it to fund the college.”
As the cost of higher education continues to be a pressing concern for students and families across the country, gifts like this one serve as a reminder of the real impact alumni can have when they choose to give back. For the students who will one day receive scholarships made possible by this bequest, the Class of 1960 alumna’s legacy will be very much alive.
“It’s more important than ever that Connecticut College is a place where everyone is welcome. We want to provide access to all deserving students despite the economics of their family of origin. One of the main values at Conn is that we are very focused on community and providing financial aid support, which allows students to stay and thrive here on campus. Financial aid and scholarships will always remain central to our fundraising efforts as President Chapdelaine always says that her focus is on students, and that is what we try to accomplish here at Connecticut College.”
