A Bequest - Aubrey S. ‘62 and Sandy N. Thomas
“I appreciate what Keene State College did for me; they put me on the right foot,” says Aubrey Thomas Jr. ‘62. “Along with having a supportive, working wife and a college education from Keene State, I was on my way. Throughout my life, opportunities seemed to appear and fall into place. Keene State got me started in the right direction, sent me forward with the right foundation, and I have been able to build on it ever since.”

Aubrey and Satoko “Sandy” Thomas, acting in a spirit of appreciation, created the Aubrey S. Thomas Jr. Award for Proficiency in Biology in 1990. In 1992 they established the Aubrey S. Thomas Jr. and Satoko N. Thomas Endowment Scholarship Fund.

Still wanting to do more for Keene State College, Aubrey and Sandy have decided to support faculty and student research in science-related areas. Through their wills, two additional endowments will be funded in the future: The Aubrey S. Thomas Jr. and the Satoko N. Thomas Undergraduate Research Fund. Their vision, generosity, and devotion to students have and will continue to provide great benefits to Keene State.

A Bequest - David B. ‘55 and Betsy W. ‘51 Staples
David B. ‘55 and Betsy W. ‘51 Staples had a special reason for endowing a scholarship at Keene State College in 1983. “We wanted to provide a permanent vehicle by which to remember our son. We wanted something good to come from something so painful,” they said. The David Charles Staples Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to provide assistance to New Hampshire students enrolled in the elementary education program at Keene State College.

David and Betsy foresee the time when greater numbers of scholarships will be given each year to deserving students. To accomplish this, they have provided for increased support to the scholarship through their will. “We are both alums of the College, so Betsy and I have a vested interest in Keene State; since Dave attended the College for one year, we wanted to have him remembered at Keene State.”

The David Charles Staples Memorial Scholarship will forever provide financial assistance to deserving students as a tribute to Dave’s life and as a symbol of his parents’ strength and courage.

A Charitable Gift Annuity - Dr. Bartlett C.”Doc” Swett ‘56
A Charitable Gift Annuity was the choice for Dr. Bartlett C.”Doc” Swett. It provides a lifetime fixed quarterly income tax deduction, and a great way to share the benefit of appreciated securities. Doc wanted to make a significant gift to the College while still retaining income from the gift property during his lifetime.

“Keene Teachers College was the right college form me at that time in my life,” Doc said. “It provided me an education in a small, secure environment that enabled me to grow. When I graduated and went on to teach, I felt better prepared than my fellow teachers who had attended other colleges. Keene Teachers had the reputation of grooming well-prepared teachers. I am grateful for the experience and want to leave a legacy to Keene State College that will provide a source of support that will add enrichment to the College experience.”

A Charitable Remainder Unitrust - Barbara A. Peterson ‘48
Barbara A. (Bohuslav) Peterson ‘48 has established a Charitable Remainder Unitrust as a way of eventually funding The Barbara A. and Richard N. Peterson Endowed Scholarship. This private trust pays a lifetime income to Barbara. When the trust ends, the remaining assets will be distributed to Keene State to be used to create the scholarship. “I wanted to do something that would be lasting for Keene State College in celebration of my 50-year class anniversary,” Barbara said. “I have a very strong attachment to the College. When I was 17 years of age, Keene Teachers College was my home away from home in Rhode Island, and it was a place that enabled me to obtain an outstanding education and to form lifelong friendships.” The scholarship will be established in memory of Barbara’s husband, Richard Peterson ‘50, as a display of the love and respect she has for her alma mater.

The Pooled Income Fund - Irene “Sally” (Szalajeska) Cid ‘36
Irene “Sally” Szalajeska Cid ‘36 has established a Pooled Income Fund. This simple planned giving vehicle provided Sally with an immediate tax benefit and a variable income throughout her life.

“My Keene Normal School education has enabled me to accomplish a good deal in life…that includes everything from my first job as an instructor at Plymouth State College to my stint as a state legislator, and the opportunity to travel extensively,” Sally said. “The Pooled Income Fund is a plus for both the College and me - income to me from the investment and eventually an unrestricted gift to the College!”

For more information, contact the Development Office at 603-358-2372.