APPLETON, WIS. — A $2.5 million bequest from an anonymous donor has given Lawrence University’s scholarship funds its third million-dollar-plus gift in the past six weeks the college announced today (9/11).
The donor, a long-time Wisconsin resident who graduated from Lawrence in 1936, designated the gift for the college’s general scholarship endowment.
Cal Husmann, vice president for development and alumni relations, said the donor was a product of “the greatest generation” who enjoyed quietly helping others.
“She was very appreciative of her Lawrence education and took a lot of pride in Lawrence’s standing in the community. She had a high regard for the quality of the people associated with Lawrence,” said Husmann. “Throughout her life she was very supportive of Lawrence, her church and numerous other organizations, but never liked any special attention or fuss made about her. She was especially happy she was able to help out her alma mater with a gift of this magnitude that will assist future generations of students obtain a Lawrence education.”
Three gifts totaling more than $5.2 million have been donated for Lawrence scholarship support since August 1. Lawrence officials previously announced gifts of $1.6 from the estate of F. Stansbury Young, a 1936 graduate and a $1.125 million gift from the trust of Amond “Ralph” and Marjorie Ballinger, two long-time Appleton residents. These gifts are added to the college’s endowment, with approximately 5 percent of the endowed funds used each year for scholarship support.
“Lawrence’s endowment is directly related to our future vitality,” said Husmann. “We are honored that these donors have decided to invest in Lawrence in this most thoughtful fashion.”
