Class of '57 gift

There’s one sure way to leave a college president speechless: give him news of a donation whose total far exceeds any expressed goal or expectation.

The Class of 1957, which returned to Alumni Weekend 2007 in record numbers to celebrate the golden anniversary of their graduation from Heidelberg, also set another impressive record, which left President F. Dominic Dottavio searching for words.

At the annual alumni luncheon, Class President and reunion coordinator Dave Sharp announced that the class had surpassed its $250,000 goal for its 50-year gift to the college by more than a little.

The members of the class raised more than $1.5 million for the college’s endowment through planned gifts, as well as other programs facility needs.

Sharp explained that he “sheepishly challenged my classmates at our 40th reunion” with a goal of $250,000. As momentum began to build, even class organizers were amazed by their success. But Jennifer Bacon Miller, director of legacy gifts at Heidelberg, said she wasn’t at all surprised. “I have seen your generosity and love for this institution, and it astounds me,” she said.

The class motto displayed on their banner, Forward Ever, Backward Never, “makes more sense now,” Sharp said. “We are in a position to reflect on how fortunate we are and to honor those who came before us. Through our gift, we can perpetuate their ideals.”

A significant amount of the class’s record-setting gift will be designated for the college’s endowment. The class also created a service scholarship of nearly $90,000, and the first students should benefit from the scholarship this year. Other funds have been designated to the Ohl Endowment in honor of retired music professors Ferris and Dorothy Ohl, to create named scholarships, to help with women’s athletics and to assist in the maintenance of Gillmor Science Hall.

After he collected his thoughts, President Dottavio told the class that their gift will make “a remarkable impact” on the life of the college.

“To see that number is astounding,” President Dottavio said. “Your gift is something that will keep giving for years to come.”

“Your efforts will inspire other classes, for sure. You have set a standard that will be very tough to match. Not only did you show up in droves, but you demonstrated your love for Heidelberg in a most astounding way.”

Following the luncheon, the college held a special signing ceremony and dedication of the gift, which included a beautiful hand-made quilt and quilt rack crafted by members of the ’57 class.

Class members and college administrators praised Sharp’s vision, leadership and dogged determination in procuring the record gift that will live in college history.

Click here to view photos of the Class of 1957 and their gift presentation and dedication.

 
Posted 6-18-2007