April 28, 2021
Dear Members of the Connecticut College Community,
It is my privilege to share with you the thrilling news that Connecticut College has received the largest gift in its history, a gift of $30 million from Rob ’88 and Karen Hale P’20 that, together with their prior gift, contributes $50 million toward the College’s continued innovations in access, athletics, career, and the liberal arts in action.
Rob and Karen have made this remarkable gift at a moment when the College, like the country, is beginning to emerge from the trials of the pandemic. In doing so, they have sent a powerful message about the College’s future and its capacity to prepare students to fulfill their dreams and change the world.
With the Hales’ extraordinary generosity, more than $170 million has now been raised in the College’s current fundraising campaign, with contributions by nearly 12,000 donors representing students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, foundations, and friends. We are grateful for this commitment to the College and for all the time, passion, energy, talents, and ideas you bring that define the transformative experience of a Connecticut College education.
We are grateful, too, to all the students, faculty, and staff who joined us at The Dune on Tempel Green this afternoon to celebrate today’s news, along with Chair of the Board of Trustees Defred (Fritz) G. Folts III ’82 and former Chair of the Board and current Co-Chair of our Campaign Committee Pamela D. Zilly ’75.
I invite you to learn more about Rob and Karen’s gift and to enjoy the special video we showed at today’s event, featuring Rob and Karen reflecting on why they have made this historic investment in the College.
Today was a remarkable day in the life of our College. Today, we celebrate Rob and Karen Hale, our wonderful community, and the mission of this great College we call home.
Sincerely,
Katherine Bergeron
President