Giving

Why We Give

I have always been inspired by BU Wheelock’s mission, particularly its leadership in early childhood education and its commitment to having a positive societal impact.

I joined the Wheelock College board of trustees in the mid-1970s, and in the subsequent decades served as chair of the board and other senior governance positions. 

About a decade ago, I and others began to worry that smaller, private, tuition-dependent colleges such as Wheelock were facing major financial head winds. This ultimately led to the Wheelock–Boston University merger. Those of us on the board were so grateful to Dean David Chard for the courage, wisdom, dedication, and diplomacy he displayed during this time. I told him that while he has had many triumphs in life, his execution of the Wheelock–Boston University merger may have been his finest hour.

In the course of my work with BU Wheelock I have tried to be philanthropic, donating to
capital campaigns and special causes, and making a bequest gift. Most recently, I created a charitable gift annuity for the Lucy Wheelock Fellowship Fund as a way to recognize David as he steps down as dean. 

Established to help preserve the legacy of Lucy Wheelock as a leader in early childhood education and development, this fund supports graduate students studying in BU Wheelock’s early childhood programs. I am pleased to join others in the initiative to build the Lucy Wheelock Fellowship Fund.

I am so proud of what we have collectively done. Now under the Boston University umbrella and with good leadership and philanthropy, BU Wheelock can pursue its mission in perpetuity.