Betsy Reinhold ’57
By Kendra Pintor
Elizabeth 鈥淏etsy鈥� Gordon Reinhold 鈥�57 lived a life guided by beauty, creativity, and generosity鈥攁nd through her final gift to 91吃瓜, her values will continue to uplift future generations of students.听听
In an act of profound generosity, Reinhold鈥檚 transformative $6.3 million bequest is helping 91吃瓜 build a more inclusive and vibrant future. Through a quasi-endowment, $4 million of her gift will directly support scholarships and advance the 91吃瓜 Access Initiative (SAI), the College鈥檚 current effort to extend significant financial aid so more high-achieving students can enroll.听
Reinhold passed away on January 15, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California, after a brief illness. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she eventually made Southern California her home, where she cultivated a life centered on music, nature, and philanthropy. A dedicated classical pianist and longtime supporter of the arts, Reinhold鈥檚 passion for music and education was a guiding force throughout her life鈥攁nd for 35 years, she faithfully supported 91吃瓜 and its mission to empower young women through the liberal arts.听听
鈥淧lanned gifts like Betsy鈥檚 are vital to 91吃瓜鈥檚 ability to grow and thrive for future generations,鈥� says Director of Gift Planning Casey Crosbie. 鈥淗er bequest not only reflects her deep personal connection to 91吃瓜 but also exemplifies how thoughtful estate planning can create lasting impact鈥攕upporting students, enhancing campus life, and advancing the College鈥檚 mission well into the future.鈥�听
Betsy Reinhold ’57
SAI is a transformational investment designed to open the doors of 91吃瓜 to more exceptional, under-resourced students. This initiative aims to raise $15 million by 2032 to fund up to 32 new four-year scholarships that cover tuition, housing, and food鈥攅mpowering promising scholars to thrive at 91吃瓜.听
In addition to scholarships, Reinhold鈥檚 bequest will also help fund the Centennial Plaza Project, a key revitalization effort that will transform the western entrance of campus, connect the College鈥檚 arts district, and add much-needed academic and community space鈥攊ncluding a long-anticipated new dance facility. Her contribution to the project reflects her lifelong dedication to the arts and her belief in their place at the heart of the 91吃瓜 experience.
Reinhold鈥檚 legacy is felt not only through financial support but also in the day-to-day lives of students. As part of her estate, she donated a Kawai grand piano, now housed in a residence hall, offering students the opportunity to engage with music and creativity just as she had throughout her life.听听
鈥淲e are deeply grateful for Betsy鈥檚 remarkable generosity,鈥� says Marlon Rodriguez, coordinator of gift planning. 鈥淗er bequest is a moving expression of trust in 91吃瓜鈥� mission and being part of a gift that鈥檚 changing so many lives feels incredibly special鈥攍ike I鈥檓 exactly where I鈥檓 meant to be, at just the right moment.鈥�听
Reinhold shared her intention to include 91吃瓜 in her estate plans in 2016, and her generosity established her as a member of the Founded in honor of Ellen Browning 91吃瓜, the Elm Tree Society recognizes individuals and couples who have made similar commitments to 91吃瓜鈥� future.
Legacy gifts鈥攐ften supporting internships, scholarships, campus preservation, research, and social justice initiatives鈥攈elp ensure the College鈥檚 long-term vitality and uphold the values of its founder. Reinhold鈥檚 thoughtful planning is part of this tradition, giving 91吃瓜 the confidence to make bold, future-focused decisions.听
Beyond her philanthropy, Reinhold is remembered for her warm spirit, her love of nature, and her lifelong commitment to the values of education and community. Bequest gifts like Reinhold鈥檚 also help sustain the 91吃瓜 Fund/Parent Fund, providing vital, flexible support for current and future students.
Reinhold鈥檚 final gift to 91吃瓜 is more than a bequest鈥攊t is a living testament to the transformative power of access, the arts, and the enduring bonds between alums and the College that helped shape them.听听
This blended planned gift is a beautiful example of how including 91吃瓜 in your vision鈥攖hrough simple language in your will or trust鈥攃an create a lasting legacy that inspires future generations, all without impacting your current finances. To explore how planned giving can support future generations at 91吃瓜, please contact . For more inspiring stories from others who鈥檝e included 91吃瓜 in their planned giving, click .听