Meet Our Donors
We thank all our planned-gift donors for their generous support. Here are some of their stories.
Gray Cargill ’90
Lyndon State College changed my life for the better. If it hadn’t been for the financial aid package and scholarships I received, I would have missed out on that experience, and my life would look very different today. Including scholarship money in my estate plans for Lyndon is my way of both thanking the college and paying it forward to future generations of Lyndon students.
Richard E. Willey ’71 and Rosalind S. Weiss
In 2011, NVU received its first $1 million gift from longtime donors Richard E. Willey, JSC class of 1971, and his wife, Rosalind S. Weiss, of Harrisburg, Pa, in the form of an irrevocable bequest, which is divided between two endowments at the college: the Library Endowment and the Julia V. and Ervin L Willey Scholarship Endowment. In recognition of this contribution, JSC named its library and learning center the Willey Library & Learning Center.
* Dick '53 and Nancy Collins
"Lyndon changed everything for me. Since Lyndon is more interested in what students leave with than what they bring into the classroom, it opens up the horizons of students. I am encouraged by Lyndon's continued recognition that students have different learning styles and learn at different rates. These are the reasons I support Lyndon's Annual Fund, encourage other alumni to do the same, and why Nancy and I have included Lyndon in our estate plan."
* deceased
Prescott and Jane Stearns
Prescott W. Stearns Jr. passed away July 27, 2012, at his home in Stanhope, N.J., at age 87. His wife Jane had died Jan. 28, 2004, at the age of 80. Knowing that donations to our small college will be carefully and well-used and will make a difference in students’ lives, they generously left a lasting legacy to Johnson State College. Although neither were alumni of Johnson State College, Prescott and Jane Stearns were lifelong donors who strongly supported the college’s mission. Their legacy includes:
Mike '70 & Cisi Flynn '72
Mike '70 & Cisi Flynn '72 have remembered Lyndon in their will.
I had not been at Lyndon long before good things began to happen for me. Graham Newell, for reasons I would learn later, took me under his considerable wing and I soon realized I could not fail this man. My checkered academic past would have to end and I would have to study! And so we did.
David Z. Freedman '94
I started thinking about including Lyndon in my will about seven years ago when I began to come back to Lyndon as a member of the Alumni Council and started attending Homecoming weekends. Lyndon had an incredible impact on my life socially and academically - it provided me with a sense of direction for my career and certainly broadened my social adeptness. I truly believe Lyndon is an excellent place for anyone to study and grow personally and professionally and because I had this opportunity, I would like make sure others are afforded this same opportunity in the future.
Adding Lyndon to my will was simple. I had a conversation with my wife, asked my lawyer to include the wording of my choice, and we notarized it. Taking this step provides me with a feeling of giving back to a place that gave me so much.
My commitment to Lyndon is for life.
Cynnie and Terry Irwin, son of LSC’s 7th President H., Franklin Irwin, Jr.
Cynnie and Terry are pleased to make a planned gift donation to Lyndon State College for the purpose of growing the President H. Franklin Irwin, Jr., Scholarship Fund which provides assistance for full-time and meritorious students pursuing studies in certain academic disciplines, particularly English.
John A. LeMieux '83
Including Lyndon State College in his estate plans came naturally to John LeMieux '83.
"It was an easy decision to make. Lyndon State had a very large impact on my ability to be successful," LeMieux notes. He remembers how successful faculty members were at getting good work out of him: "They didn't let me slide by. They kept pushing me until the skill they saw as raw potential showed up in my work. Graduate school was easier for me as a result of my time at Lyndon."
Gary W. Moore '71
"My degree opened up a whole new world for me! I feel strongly about the access Lyndon provides to Vermonters, especially first generation college students like myself. That is why I am a longtime supporter of Lyndon State College, both professionally and financially. In fact, my wife and I have included Lyndon State College in our estate plan."
Sue Onsruth Smith '59
"I was the first in my family to attend college and I considered myself an average student but when I was first teaching in Wisconsin and New York State I realized that I had a better background in the methods of teaching than many of my colleagues educated elsewhere. Lyndon had methods courses that taught you how to teach. Lyndon provided me with not only an education but a wonderful career. Everything that meant something to me was centered around Lyndon, so I decided a long time ago that I would give back to Lyndon!"
Scott B. Wentzell ’79
My decision to include Lyndon in my estate plan was an easy one. I wanted to express my deep appreciation to the school for offering an ideal environment for personal growth through the classroom experiences and the many social activities.
Some of my closest friendships today began in the halls of Lyndon. Lessons learned from teachers like Bud Ebbett, Norm Atwood, and Graham Newell have helped to shape many of my core beliefs. I view Lyndon as a lively cultural center for the purpose of entertainment and continued learning. The campus serves as a vibrant entity in the community and beyond. Maintaining that status is critical to the long term appeal of the area.
Peter Wright '94
When I was first asked to give to Lyndon, I thought, haven't I paid enough? Then it dawned on my how much LSC gave me, above and beyond my degree...it gave me my very best friends, my fondest memories and a sense of community. I give to Lyndon because I want to make sure that opportunity is available for years to come. Lyndon was there for me when I needed it. I take great pleasure in knowing I can be there for them when they need me. It really doesn't matter how you give at first...just that you make the gift.
* Marie Augustin '58
Marie read about the 2012 planned giving challenge in the Twin Tower Topics Magazine and called to let us know that she has included Lyndon in her will.
This is Marie's story:
Marie was born in Germany in 1924. Her education was interrupted when the Russians invaded and she was forced to be a factory worker. At age 30, Marie's aunt from Lyndonville, Vermont arranged for Marie to move to the United States to live with her. Marie arrived in New York by boat with .37cents to her name. Soon after arriving in Lyndonville, Marie's Aunt brought her up the hill to Lyndon Teachers College to meet with Rita Bole. Marie spoke no English so her Aunt did most of the talking. Marie had no papers to prove her education in Germany but Rita Bole enrolled her in a summer Education course and told her that if she was successful that she would be accepted in the Teachers College in the Fall. Of course Marie did succeed and she has always been grateful to Rita Bole and Lyndon Teachers college for giving her a second chance at life!
* deceased
