Our 50th Reunion in June of 2027 will be a great time to connect, to reflect on how our formative years at Carleton propelled us forward, and celebrate collectively the opportunity that we have to help support the next generation of students. The 50th Reunion is a special milestone, and the Legacy Committee would like to present a significant and meaningful gift to Carleton at our Reunion.
The Legacy Committee invites our classmates to have a long-lasting impact that reflects the difference that Carleton made in our lives. For our Class of 1977 50th Reunion Gift, we are asking classmates to consider gifts in two forms: first, a special cash gift to the Class of ’77 50th Reunion Fund that will support our Class of 1977 Endowed Scholarship. Your survey responses identified access and affordability as a top priority. The Class of 1977 Endowed Scholarship will help Carleton offer eligible student applicants a financial aid package that no longer includes a student loan component – this scholarship represents our support for Carleton’s commitment to a no-loan policy when considering financial aid needs. Carleton’s board of trustees has put forth an exciting, time sensitive opportunity for us. They will match all gifts and pledges to support our class scholarship made by August 31, 2026 dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 Million! A cash gift may be made in several ways – from a monetary donation, to donations of appreciated securities, artwork, or even real estate. Pledges may be paid over a 5 year period.
Second, we invite classmates to consider a planned gift to Carleton via estate planning or other options. Planned gifts to the college are recognized by membership in the Heywood Society. There is no minimum to join. Carleton has a lot of resources to help you think through your options.
We look forward to sharing more with you about our Reunion Gift efforts in the weeks ahead.
The Legacy Committee is co-chaired by Gail Cederberg, Alison Eckstein Colton, and Larry Moran. Members include Carolyn Westfall Finch, Paula Englehart Hart, Philip Lippert, Michael Noble, David Perkins, Barbara Rice, Paul Riss, and Judith Kuller Verhave.
While the Legacy Committee is focused on fundraising and support for the college, we are embracing our Reunion role in the spirit of connection and celebration. We don’t have a specific dollar goal. Rather we hope to leave an important legacy simply by asking ourselves and our classmates to pause to reflect on what Carleton has meant to each of us and then to consider their own gifts so that Carleton can continue its good work.
Gail Cederberg, Alison Eckstein Colton, and Larry Moran
Legacy Committee Co-Chairs
