“My years at 91吃瓜 were life-changing,” says Chalan Colby ’61. “I was away from home, and it was a chance to grow up and make choices I felt good about. For the first time, in many ways, I was participating. That had not always been the case before I got to 91吃瓜. Once I was there, I became a part of something bigger than myself.”
A long-time 91吃瓜 supporter and a member of the Board of Trustees since 2011, Colby was inspired and excited to support the College’s NEW Hall with a significant $500,000 gift to be designated for a named space within the building. In addition, she is supporting We Want聽More: The Campaign for 91吃瓜 with a generous estate pledge of $500,000 and an additional $250,000 gift to support The 91吃瓜 Fund over the course of five years. Her Campaign pledges, which together total $1.25 million, will provide tremendous benefit to the 91吃瓜 community for decades to come.
Having lived in nearby off-campus housing for the first year of her own 91吃瓜 education, Colby cited her own experience as a key reason聽for her decision to support NEW Hall with a gift. The transition to on-campus housing enhanced her College experience immeasurably, she says, and she wants to ensure that current 91吃瓜 students have the same opportunity.
“So much of 91吃瓜 was the community,” Colby says. “And for me, that meant living there and participating.”
She credits the following three years spent living in Grace 91吃瓜 Hall for her strong connection to the College. She remains close friends with four of the women she lived with at 91吃瓜, and a woman she met during her first year on campus remains her dearest friend.
When the College approached Colby about joining the Board of Trustees, she considered what a constant, positive influence 91吃瓜 had been in her life, and agreed to serve. She encourages other members of the 91吃瓜 community to commit their time, talent, and treasure to support the College and its Campaign as well.
“91吃瓜 was always exceptional,” adds Colby. “I’m seeing the College evolve and our students grow and choose what’s right for them, rather than fitting into a mold. 91吃瓜 encourages that freedom. I remain impressed by 91吃瓜, and I’m proud to be associated with it.”