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Greetings from COLGATE HALL
After three decades at Colby-Sawyer, I retired in June of 2023 and spent the past year traveling around the western United States rock climbing with my husband, Jon. It was an amazing experience seeing the country through the windshield, and we climbed in several new places in addition to revisiting areas we had climbed before. It was an incredible year, and we look forward to returning to living on the road after I complete my time as interim president at this special college. My love for Colby-Sawyer, the unique relationship the college has with the New London community and the dedicated faculty and staff here all led me to say “yes” when asked to lead the college while the search for a new president is underway.
I have enjoyed reconnecting with everyone on campus and in the community and experiencing the busy pace of the fall semester again. The academic year started with beautiful late summer weather, and the first few weeks of the semester were filled with the kind of energy that can only be found on a college campus. After years of participating in Mountain Day, I was honored to “make the call” as president to cancel classes and join the climb to the top of Mount Kearsarge. I have also taken advantage of the opportunity to attend campus events, meet with students and faculty and cheer on the Chargers at the Hogan Center and on the fields at the Kelsey Athletic Campus.
One of the most visible changes that occurred on campus while I was away is the completion of the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences, which opened at the beginning of the fall semester. Since the first day of classes in September, the Schaefer Center has been a hub of activity. This new, donor-funded facility includes state-of-the-art anatomy and physiology labs, meeting spaces where students and faculty
can work together and an entire floor dedicated to nursing skills and simulation training. And the new café on the first floor is a great spot for anyone in the community to grab a coffee or meet over a snack while working on a project with others. In this issue, you’ll find a photo from the official dedication of the building, which was held during Homecoming & Family Weekend.
This Colby-Sawyer Magazine edition also includes news from around campus and a summary of the college’s incredible fundraising results from the past year, which so many of you have made possible through your support of the college. In addition, we have shared alumni stories, class notes and photos and a feature story on the unsolved mystery of two Rembrandt etchings that disappeared from the college’s permanent art collection more than twenty years ago.
On the page that follows this letter, we look back at President Sue Stuebner’s positive impact during her time here and share an update on the college’s search for our next president.
I am grateful to Sue for all she contributed to Colby-Sawyer and for her mentorship during our seven years working together.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve as Colby-Sawyer’s president during this interim year and I hope to see you on campus sometime soon!
Warmly, Laura
A.
Sykes ’98, PhD
Interim President
and
Professor
of Arts and Sciences Volanakis Family Presidential Chair
A Legacy of Growth: The Stuebner Years at Colby-Sawyer
By Dan Parish
Susan D. Stuebner took office as the ninth president of Colby-Sawyer College on July 1, 2016, and served in that role until this past June. Stuebner’s eight years in New London were transformative for the college and were marked by unprecedented fundraising success, expanded partnerships and new academic programs. In addition, Stuebner helped the Colby-Sawyer community navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to move the college forward.
During Stuebner’s presidency, Colby-Sawyer implemented a new strategic plan, achieved the five highest annual fundraising totals in its history and launched new graduate and professional programs. A few of the major achievements and milestones of her presidency are:
Endowment Growth : Thanks to the generous support of alumni and friends, Colby-Sawyer’s endowment doubled to more than $70 million during Stuebner’s presidency. Stuebner successfully made endowment growth, particularly of scholarship funds, a focus of her presidency.
Internship Funding : Stuebner helped raise more than $1.5 million in endowed funds to support students in unpaid or under-compensated internship opportunities around the world. These new funds have helped students pursue professional experiences that would have been financially unattainable otherwise.
Expanded Partnership with Dartmouth Health: Colby-Sawyer announced an expansion of its decades-long partnership with Dartmouth Health in 2019, becoming the health system’s workforce development partner, launching new degree programs and receiving a $3.25 million investment from Dartmouth Health.
“I believe Colby-Sawyer will always have a connection to its core mission as a
residential,
liberal arts
college
focused on undergraduates. That said, I also believe the institution will continue to evolve in ways we may not yet be able to envision in order to preserve this core.”
Growth in Graduate and Professional Programs : The partnership with Dartmouth Health helped spur transformative growth in Colby-Sawyer’s graduate and professional offerings, which grew from one online master’s degree program in 2016 to 13 different programs with hundreds of students enrolled in 2024.
Tuition Reset: In the fall of 2022, Stuebner announced that the college was resetting tuition and dropping the published cost of attendance by 45% in an effort to be transparent and clear with prospective students and their families about the affordability of a Colby-Sawyer education. The tuition reset is one factor that helped grow the number of applications by 11% and deposits by 22% for entering first-year students in fall 2024.
New Facilities: During her presidency, Stuebner oversaw the planning and construction of two major new facilities to the campus. Funded by a gift from Sally Shaw Veitch ’66, the Chargers Athletic Pavilion opened during the summer of 2023 in time for fall semester athletes to use the new team rooms and athletic training facilities. The addition of the pavilion also provided spectators with much-needed restroom facilities at the Kelsey Athletic Campus and a place to gather for post-game events. This fall, the campus celebrated the opening of the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences, with its state-ofthe-art labs, in-demand study spaces and popular new café.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE
The search for Colby-Sawyer’s 10th president is underway. A search committee composed of trustees, faculty, staff and student representatives are working with a team from the executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to identify the right candidate to lead the college in the years ahead. You can learn more about the search and make nominations at colby-sawyer.edu/presidential-search.
College News
All Colby-Sawyer Graduates to Earn Minor in Liberal Education & Professionalization
Beginning fall 2024, all incoming Colby-Sawyer students will graduate with a minor in Liberal Education & Professionalization (LEAP) through completion of the college’s general education requirements.
The LEAP minor, which builds on Colby-Sawyer’s unique liberal education and professional preparedness curriculum, requires no additional coursework beyond what is already required for graduation and can be earned in addition to any other majors or minors. The LEAP minor benefits Colby-Sawyer graduates because it signals to potential employers an individual’s readiness for employment, advanced study and promotion, as well as a demonstrated ability to analyze, evaluate and apply a broad base of knowledge.
“The LEAP minor integrates the value of a liberal education with the practicality of professional studies,” Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculty Eden Wales said. “The essential skills the minor teaches — such as critical thinking, communication, adaptability and cultural awareness — empower students to excel in graduate school and a competitive job market while navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving world. Colby-Sawyer students’ core training in liberal education and professionalization sets them apart from other college graduates, allowing them to ‘leap’ into advanced study, successful careers, promotion and leadership positions.”
The LEAP minor is designed to help students develop the skills that employers seek in the current marketplace, especially in fields in which interdisciplinary thinking is critical, such as technology, healthcare and business. LEAP courses include Colby-Sawyer’s FirstYear Experience course, which helps students develop the critical reading, writing and discussion skills needed to collaborate with others to address real-world problems; a first-year writing course; core courses in arts, historical perspectives, literature, science and social science; and an integrative experience course that empowers students to analyze complex problems and apply potential solutions across disciplines.
Students entering the college this fall were automatically enrolled in the LEAP minor. Students returning to the college are eligible to opt in to the LEAP minor by meeting with their academic advisor.
Colby-Sawyer and Elliot Health Establish Partnership
Colby-Sawyer College and Elliot Health System have established a formal partnership designed to address workforce needs in healthcare in New Hampshire.
Through the agreement, Colby-Sawyer’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences and School of Business & Social Sciences will offer discounted tuition to employees of Elliot Health to enhance their professional preparation opportunities in degree programs from bachelor’s to doctoral levels.
Elliot Health System, the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in southern New Hampshire, is composed of a network of services at Elliot Hospital in Manchester as well as outpatient centers and physician practices in the region. The partnership with Colby-Sawyer offers Elliot employees preferred tuition in the college’s Respiratory Therapist or Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science, Associate of Health Science to Bachelor of Science, Master of Science in Exercise Science, Nursing PostMaster’s Certificate, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration programs.
“This agreement benefits not only Colby-Sawyer and Elliot Health but also healthcare throughout the state,” Colby-Sawyer Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing Valerie Leclair said. “With a shortage in the healthcare workforce nationwide, we are pleased to be able to contribute to professional education and advancement in the field.”
While specific requirements vary by program, all programs involved in the partnership agreement involve online coursework, allowing students to build their academic schedules around their work schedules. A small number of programs require clinical hours or have established meeting times. More information about each program can be found on the Colby-Sawyer website at colby-sawyer.edu/academics/graduate.
Colby-Sawyer Celebrates Opening of Schaefer Center for Health Sciences
Colby-Sawyer College celebrated the opening of the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences in two dedication events during Homecoming & Family Weekend.
Colby-Sawyer Interim President Laura Sykes ’98 welcomed attendees to both events and shared a statement from former President Susan D. Stuebner, who explained why the addition of the Schaefer Center was a critical next step in the college’s evolving commitment to education in the health sciences.
“In 2018, when a small group of trustees reflected on how to maximize Colby-Sawyer’s strengths and distinguish the institution in a highly competitive time, it was exciting to see the possibilities in nursing and health sciences unfold,” Stuebner wrote. “By strengthening the current undergraduate nursing program and partnering with Dartmouth Health on new graduate and professional programs, our hope was to see the growth that the college has since experienced. We knew early on that if the plan was successful, we would need to expand space in support of these programs.”
The Schaefer Center for Health Sciences is that expanded space — a dynamic hub for academic and clinical training. It features the modern, four-room Gail Graham Lee ’62 Nursing Simulation Center; three medical exam rooms; two anatomy and physiology labs, the Davidow Laboratory, donated by William H. and Sonja Carlson Davidow ’56, and the Rooke Laboratory, donated by the Withington Foundation; two fully equipped, 12-bed laboratories, the Burrows Nursing Skills Laboratory, donated by Tom and Judy Burrows Csatari, and the Carey Nursing Skills Laboratory, donated by Wendy and Chase Carey; and a nurses’ station, donated by the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, that simulates the hospital/clinical environment of today.
While serving primarily as the home of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences, the Schaefer Center is also designed as a resource for the entire college community. Its first floor features the Student Commons, donated by Deborah L. Coffin ’76, which offers a versatile space for students to study or engage in group projects. The building’s study spaces and café — recently named Victor’s Corner Café through a collegewide vote — provide inviting areas for students, faculty and staff from across campus to gather.
The building is named to honor the late Janet Udall Schaefer, who first attended Colby Junior College in 1952 and returned to complete her degree in 1996. When Schaefer passed away in February 2022, she left an extraordinary legacy with a gift exceeding $12.5 million, one of the largest one-time donations in Colby-Sawyer’s history. A significant portion of her contribution was designated to help fund the construction of the new health sciences building.
The $19 million project was completely donor and grant funded, including $1.5 million in federal funding thanks to the advocacy of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. Chris Scott, Shaheen’s deputy state director, speaking at one of the dedication events, read remarks that the senator had prepared.
“The Schaefer Center for Health Sciences will build on ColbySawyer’s proud legacy of shaping students into dedicated and highly skilled healthcare workers,” Shaheen wrote.
Many of those healthcare workers from Colby-Sawyer pursue careers in nursing, completing their clinical rotations at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, the world-class facility affiliated with Dartmouth Health, the college’s chief workforce development partner.
(L TO R) VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT DAN PARISH, VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION KAREN BONEWALD, VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BARBARA-JAN WILSON, INTERIM PRESIDENT LAURA SYKES ’98, DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES PETER WHITE AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR & UNDERGRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM COORDINATOR ARIANNA ANTON ’11 CUT THE RIBBON AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE SCHAEFER CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES.
TEACHING THE WORLD:
STORIES FROM COLBY-SAWYER ALUMNAE ABROAD
By Stacy Hannings ’14
Three alumnae — Elisabeth Ormann ’17, Suzie Kaegi ’07, and Beth Burnham ’03 — take lessons they learned at Colby-Sawyer to embrace new perspectives and a growth mindset. Here, they share their enriching educational experiences.
ELISABETH ORMANN ’17 MARCHES WITH HER STUDENTS IN THE CITY’S SYTTENDE MAI PARADE. SYTTENDE MAI, OR THE 17TH OF MAY, IS NORWAY’S CONSTITUTION DAY. EVERY YEAR, SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY MARCH AND SING IN THEIR LOCAL PARADES. THIS EVENT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR ORMANN’S STUDENTS, AS IT ALLOWS THEM TO LEARN ABOUT THE LOCAL CULTURE.
Elisabeth Ormann ’17
Teaching in Stavanger, Norway
BS, child development with a minor in education
Where in the world do you teach?
I teach at The British International School of Stavanger, located in Stavanger, Norway.
What is your role at the school?
I am a learning support teacher specializing in special needs education.
How has your CSC education prepared you for the unique challenges that come with teaching internationally?
Colby-Sawyer prepared me by fostering an internationally minded environment. Through our curriculum and diverse community of international professors and students, I gained exposure to different cultures and perspectives, which has been invaluable in my teaching career abroad.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
What I enjoy most about my position is the opportunity to be a significant advocate in my students' lives, helping them navigate and succeed in their learning journeys.
Suzie Kaegi ’07
Teaching in Japan and Vietnam
BA, studio art
SUZIE KAEGI ’07 AT THE YOKOHAMA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
What is your role at the school?
Where in the world do you teach?
I recently completed two years of teaching at Yokohama International School in Yokohama, Japan, where I was part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Next school year, I’ll be teaching at The Dwight School Hanoi in Vietnam, which also follows the IB curriculum.
At Yokohama International School, I taught PYP [Primary Years Programme] and MYP [Middle Years Programme] visual arts, covering kindergarten through grade 6. In my new position at The Dwight School Hanoi, I will focus on teaching MYP visual arts.
How has your CSC education prepared you for the unique challenges that come with teaching internationally?
The diverse environment at Colby-Sawyer College, with its variety of classes, students and faculty, pushed me to expand my thinking and embrace new perspectives. The liberal arts education, coupled with my involvement in volleyball, helped me balance my passions for art and sports. These experiences encouraged me to take risks, form connections and build a strong support network — skills that have been crucial as I navigate the everchanging landscape of international teaching. My 13 years of teaching abroad have been deeply enriched by these lessons, allowing me to connect with students, embrace new cultures and remain engaged in the arts and athletics.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
There’s so much to love about my job — the travel, the food, the friendships and the rich cultural experiences — but what truly stands out are the kids. I love working with students from all over the world and being a part of their unique stories.
Beth Burnham ’03
Teaching in Singapore
BA, psychology
Where in the world do you teach?
I currently teach at Tanglin Trust School in Singapore, a British International World School.
What is your role at the school?
I am a senior school learning support teacher, helping students with diverse learning needs in the upper school.
How has your CSC education prepared you for the unique challenges that come with teaching internationally?
Colby-Sawyer College’s hands-on practical experience program, combined with my semester abroad at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, in 2000, was transformative. These opportunities expanded my worldview and strengthened my intercultural competence. They also taught me the value of relationship-building through cultural exchange and open dialogue, lessons I carry with me in my international teaching career.
Working with students from complex backgrounds — who often identify with multiple cultures and speak several languages — has shifted my approach. Instead of asking "Where are you from?", I now ask, "Which culture do you identify with?" This shift in perspective, rooted in my CSC education, has profoundly impacted both my teaching style and personal growth. CSC’s emphasis on maintaining one’s identity while respecting cultural differences has been a key to thriving in diverse educational settings.
What do you enjoy most about your current position?
This is a new role for me. After many years teaching primary learning support in places like Vermont, Bangladesh and Angola, I’ve transitioned to senior school. While adjusting to senior school and working at my first international British school presents new challenges, I’m excited by the opportunity to grow and explore this next phase in my teaching career.
BETH BURNHAM ’03 EXPLORES A TRADITIONAL VILLAGE ON THE ISLAND OF FLORES, INDONESIA – APRIL 2024.
Thank you!
$74.3 million
raised between 2020 and 2024
More than any other five-year period in our history
$14.5 million raised last year
Four years in a row over $10 million raised (that has never happened before!)
3,380 donors
Three years in a row with more than 3,000 donors
Colby-Sawyer’s Fundraising Exceeds $10M for Fourth Consecutive Year
Colby-Sawyer College raised $14.5 million in fiscal year 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year with fundraising totals exceeding $10 million. Additionally, for the third year in a row, more than 3,000 donors made gifts to the college.
This year’s fundraising success will significantly impact ColbySawyer’s students, with generous gifts supporting a variety of initiatives, including improvements to facilities, the expansion of academic programs and growth in cocurricular activities. The funds will help provide students with more diverse learning opportunities and enriching experiences, ensuring they receive a well-rounded and fulfilling college education.
“The donations we’ve received will directly benefit our students through scholarships, campus improvements, internships and fieldstudy opportunities,” Interim President Laura Sykes ’98 said. “Gifts received this year have also supported the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences, which is critical to the growth of Colby-Sawyer’s partnership
with Dartmouth Health. Colleges like ours depend on donor support to keep delivering top-notch education, and we’re truly grateful.”
Funded entirely through the support of donors, the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences opened at the start of the fall semester and was dedicated on Friday, Oct. 18. This new facility enhances Colby-Sawyer’s preparation of highly trained healthcare workers and offers opportunities for continued training for those already in the field.
In April, the college raised a record $780,152 from 1,984 donors during its sixth annual Day of Giving, setting new benchmarks for the college.
“It’s been amazing to see how our Day of Giving has grown over the past six years,” Vice President for College Advancement Dan Parish said. “I’m always in awe of what the Colby-Sawyer community can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. We truly appreciate the support of our alumni, families and friends.”
DONOR SPOTLIGHT Wynne Jesser McGrew ’62
By Stacy Hannings ’14
Wynne Jesser McGrew ’62 has been a dedicated supporter of Colby-Sawyer for many years. Despite attending the college for just two years, her connection to the school remains strong.
“It was only two years, but those were really happy days,” McGrew said. “Colby-Sawyer served my purpose and helped me develop great friendships.”
She initially came to the college through her cousin, Penny Jesser Rohrbach ’62, and enrolled in the medical secretarial course when the school was a two-year institution. Over the years, she has continued to cherish those formative experiences and has remained a loyal supporter.
McGrew’s life took her from northern New Jersey to southern Vermont to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she’s lived for more than 50 years. Despite the distance, her dedication to Colby-Sawyer has not wavered.
“I’ve always supported Colby-Sawyer, and mainly the sports programs, because we grew up in a very sporty family,” she said, recalling her love for skiing and tennis. However, when the college announced the opening of the new nursing building, McGrew found an even deeper reason to contribute. With a grandson currently enrolled in a nursing program in Ohio, she felt a personal connection.
“As soon as I heard Colby-Sawyer was building a new nursing facility, I wanted to support that,” she said.
Beyond her financial contributions, McGrew continues to believe in the importance of philanthropy. She and her husband manage their family’s foundation through which they give to various causes, including their alma maters and other nonprofits in the Cincinnati area.
“We always like to hear about the results of what’s going on when we donate, and that makes a big difference,” McGrew said, adding that her belief in tangible outcomes is something she hopes future alumni will consider when choosing to support the college. “I remember a student trip to the Grand Canyon we supported. Each student wrote a thank you note to me, which I thought was very nice. You get that human connection with somebody that you helped.”
McGrew said she believes that smaller schools like Colby-Sawyer create a stronger sense of community and enable alumni to make a bigger impact. “I think the smaller the school, the more people would reach out to support them. The smaller the school, the more your impact can be felt and seen.”
Her advice to current and future students is to take full advantage of the diverse community and beautiful surroundings at Colby-Sawyer.
“Definitely make friends with the international students,” she said. “Expand your horizons. We didn’t have that back then — mostly people from close by.”
Despite the physical distance and the passage of time, McGrew, now 83, remains a loyal donor, always eager to hear about the school’s progress and initiatives. As she looks back at her journey and reflects on her connection with the school, she embodies the spirit of lasting alumni engagement.
“I plan to keep contributing,” she says with a smile.
McGrew’s story is a testament to the lasting impact of even a short time spent at Colby-Sawyer. Her continuous support, generosity and belief in the college’s future inspire us all.
from left, wynne jesser mcgrew in 1962 during her time on campus; with her husband, tom; and the couple with peggy jesser in palm beach, florida.
Unveiling a Campus Mystery:
Colby-Sawyer’s Missing Rembrandt Etchings and the Unsolved Art Heist that Continues to Intrigue the Community
By Stacy Hannings ’14
ABOVE: HANNINGS ’14 HOLDS A FRAME ONCE CONTAINING ONE OF COLBY-SAWYER’S MISSING REMBRANDT ETCHINGS, THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS BY TORCHLIGHT. THE BACK OF THE FRAME REVEALS A COLLECTION OF GALLERY EXHIBITION LABELS, TRACING THE ARTWORK’S JOURNEY BEFORE IT VANISHED.
Did you know Colby-Sawyer once had three Rembrandt etchings in its permanent art collection?
The mystery surrounding them has become an enduring part of college history.
Colby-Sawyer’s permanent art collection features over 150 pieces, spanning from 1503 to modern times. It showcases a diverse array of styles and media, including oil paintings, intaglios, lithographs, screen prints and woodcuts. The collection’s foundation was laid by two generous collectors in the early 20th century, leading to the establishment of the Edward Strong Burtis and Herrick collections. When the initial works were donated, some of their artists were just starting their careers, but the collectors had a keen eye for selecting pieces with enduring value. In the ensuing years, many of these prints have gained significant recognition in the art world, and the collection has continued to expand through donations from alumni and friends. At some point, as the collection grew, it came to include three works by renowned 17th-century Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn.
Rembrandt was known for his exceptional skill and innovative techniques in both painting and printmaking. Rembrandt: Life and Work by Jakob Rosenberg, describes his early career in Amsterdam, gaining recognition for his talent in portraiture and capturing the personalities and emotions of his subjects with remarkable realism and empathy. Beyond portraiture, Rembrandt explored a wide range of subjects, including biblical narratives, historical scenes and everyday life. His ability to infuse his art with psychological depth and dramatic intensity set him apart from his contemporaries.
In addition to his achievements in painting, Rembrandt made significant contributions to the art of printmaking, particularly etching. The World of Rembrandt: 1606-1669 by Robert Wallace details how celebrated his etchings are for their intricate detail, expressive lines and innovative use of the medium to convey emotion and atmosphere. Throughout his career, Rembrandt produced numerous impressions from approximately 290 etching plates, with some works having hundreds of prints. None of these etchings exceed 21 by 18 inches, and many are as small as postcards. Today, at least 79 of his original plates still exist. These plates are made from thin metal, with the thickest being only about one-twenty-fifth of an inch. However, many have been worn down or damaged by later reworkings.
The three Rembrandts that were once included in the college’s permanent collection were the etchings Self-Portrait in a Velvet Cap with Plume , one of Rembrandt’s many self-portraits, showcasing his mastery in capturing expressions and textures; The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight , depicting a poignant scene from the New Testament, rendered with Rembrandt’s signature emotional depth and chiaroscuro technique, an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create depth, drama and volume in a composition; and The Raising of Lazarus: Small Plate , portraying the biblical miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead, showcasing Rembrandt’s ability to infuse religious narratives with profound humanity. The etchings were created between 1638 and 1654.
The Rembrandt etchings were acquired by Colby-Sawyer to enrich its art collection and provide students and faculty with valuable resources for study and appreciation of art history.
Though there is no record of the college’s original source for these etchings, an article from the Colby Voice , a student publication at Colby Academy, dated May 12, 1928, notes,
The following inventory of Colby Academy’s etchings and engravings which are in the Herrick Collection was submitted by Miss Hanscom: In the reception room are the following etchings; Self Portrait, by Rembrandt, value $200. We do not half appreciate the value and beauty of these pictures. Let’s look at them closely when we have an opportunity.
An article published in Colby Junior College’s March 16, 1933, edition of The Seminar , a weekly student news leaflet, reads,
Why do we cherish old pieces of paper whose surfaces have been twisted into lines and piled high with ridges of black and sepia? It is because the mystery and charm of etching have never palled. The necessity for duplication was the original excuse for the process. Today it persists solely for the beauty which is seen in the variations of light and dark on the surfaces.
Fortunate indeed are we to have our Colby walls hung with works of the distinguished masters of the etching needle. Rembrandt has thrown his soul-penetrating spotlight on the side of an old man’s face; Haden has signed in pencil a vital marine; and Haig has given us the picturesqueness of a Spanish procession. These, and our other copper conceptions, compare favorably with many famous collections. An artist should produce a “heightened consciousness of things.” A student’s awareness of what graphic arts represent should be stepped up several notches each time she stands before one of our etchings.
These works, along with much of the permanent collection, have been shown in gallery exhibits at the college over the years. In an article from the student newspaper The Colby-Sawyer Courier from Sept. 22, 1995, Nicole Patenaude ’96 writes,
Imagine…Rembrandt and Picasso in your own backyard! The opening reception last Thursday night, at the campus’s Marian Graves Mugar Art Gallery, introduced the students, faculty and visitors from all over New Hampshire to our college’s private and very special collection of fine prints.
In an article titled “Meeting the Masters” that appeared in the New London-area newspaper The Argus-Champion on Sept. 20, 1995, Melanie Bell writes,
Area art fans will have a rare opportunity to get an up close look at the prints of such noted artists as Picasso, Rembrandt and Goya, the Colby-Sawyer College print exhibit now on display features prints from a wide range of artists and time periods.
The college’s collection is made up of about 150 works from two primary donated collections, the Edward Burtis collection and the Herrick collection. While these works are only exhibited to the public every two or three years, Martha Andrea, Professor and Gallery Director, said they are used in the classroom on a daily basis.
“All the traditional techniques are taught basically the same way,” said Andrea. Engraving was a popular technique during the 15th and 16th centuries. Using a tool called a burin, the printmaker would carve out an image on a metal plate by pushing the burin away from him, digging into the metal. “It’s often a very orderly and systematic manner of mark making,” said Andrea.
ABOVE: REMBRANDT ETCHINGS, THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS BY TORCHLIGHT, THE RAISING OF LAZARUS: SMALL PLATE, AND SELF-PORTRAIT IN A VELVET CAP WITH PLUME THE RAISING OF LAZARUS: SMALL PLATE IS THE ONLY REMAINING REMBRANDT IN COLBY-SAWYER’S PERMANENT COLLECTION.
The engraving by 16th-century German printmaker Lucas Cranach is a classic example of engraving, incredibly detailed and perfectly ordered. Hanging next to the Cranach were three prints by Rembrandt, made about 130 years later. Because he used a different method, etching, Rembrandt’s style was spontaneous and free. Because an etching needle can be handled like a pencil, the artist has a greater range of motion. Rembrandt’s self-portrait is a series of free lines and graceful curves.
Later, in 2001, the pieces were on display again on campus. In an article from the Valley News from Feb. 8, 2001, titled “Colby-Sawyer Showcases Five Centuries of Printmaking,” Rebecca Denton writes,
On the opposite wall are the oldest pieces in the show, 17th-century etchings by Rembrandt and 16th-century works by Durer and Lucas Cranach. “Rembrandt’s are loose, gestural and very free,” Andrea said. “They have a beautiful, fresh, spontaneous feeling.”
Less than three years later, two of the college’s three prized Rembrandt etchings were gone.
On the evening of Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, Director of Campus Safety Pete Berthiaume was called to the president’s office. Upon arrival, Berthiaume found President Anne Ponder, Professor Martha Andrea and Vice Presidents Doug Lyon and Doug Atkins waiting. Andrea, who also served as the gallery director, explained that she had discovered that two of the Rembrandt framed prints from the permanent collection, Self-Portrait in a Velvet Cap with Plume and The Descent from the Cross by Torchlight , had been stolen and replaced by scanned or photocopied images. The third Rembrandt etching, The Raising of Lazarus: Small Plate , was still present but slightly torn, indicating an attempt to remove it.
Andrea stated that the prints were last exhibited from Feb. 1 to 23, 2001, and the self-portrait was scanned and copied in December 2000 for an exhibit flyer. Art faculty also used the pieces as needed for classes. She said she suspected the theft occurred between February 2001 and December 2003, possibly using a flawed exhibit flyer copy. Andrea believed this flawed copy, or another similar one, had been used to replace the original print, making it difficult to notice the switch until much later.
The prints had been stored in the collection storage closet in the lower level of the Sawyer Fine and Performing Arts Center, accessible from the art history classroom. Both were secured with a locking system. Andrea noted the replicas were tightly secured in the frames, which was not her usual practice, and that the mat clips were inserted differently.
That evening, Berthiaume contacted Sgt. Ed Kinzer at the New London Police Department (NLPD), who advised him to bring the remaining print and frames to the station. Berthiaume met Andrea at the Sawyer Arts Center, collected the prints and brought them to NLPD. Kinzer and Berthiaume contacted Detective Chris Currier, who began an investigation on Dec. 9. The FBI was later contacted, and the pieces were entered into the Art Loss Register, the world’s largest private database of lost, stolen and looted art, antiques and collectibles. Since then, the register generated one potential “hit,” but it was not fruitful.
“A hit happens when an artwork matches something recorded in the Art Loss Register,” Berthiaume said. “This often occurs when a piece is being sold or exhibited, triggering an investigation to verify its identity and, if confirmed, return it to its rightful owner. In July 2011, we received a hit on a piece thought to be one of our missing prints. However, after further investigation, it was determined that the piece did not belong to Colby-Sawyer.”
Colby-Sawyer is not alone when it comes to theft and missing artwork by Rembrandt, as several of his masterpieces have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The World of Rembrandt: 1606-1669 by Robert Wallace, details how in 1956, the art world was astonished when 75 of Rembrandt’s original etching plates, thought to have been missing for 25 years, resurfaced. The plates were revealed to be in the possession of Robert Lee Humber, a lawyer from Greenville, North Carolina, who had secretly acquired them in 1938 from French collector Alvin-Beaumont. The plates, last exhibited in a New York gallery in 1930, had been hidden in a warehouse for 18 years. While many were worn or reworked, they remained valuable collectors’ items. The plates were displayed at the North Carolina Museum of Art, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s birth. Humber never disclosed the purchase price, although the collection had been insured for half a million dollars in 1930.
In the early hours of March 18, 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, including works by Rembrandt. Among them was The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, his only seascape, valued at around $140 million. Also stolen were A Lady and Gentleman in Black and a small self-portrait etching, which had been stolen and returned once before in 1970. Thieves also took Landscape with Obelisk , mistakenly believed to be a Rembrandt but later attributed to his pupil Govert Flinck. This heist is detailed in Stealing Rembrandts: The Untold Stories of Notorious Art Heists, written by Anthony M. Amore and Tom Mashberg.
The Gardner Museum thieves shattered glass frames and used blades to cut canvases from their stretchers, leaving behind a large self-portrait by Rembrandt, which they had removed but abandoned leaning against a cabinet. The FBI suspects that a criminal organization, possibly the Boston Mafia, planned the heist during a period of internal gang conflict. Despite the lack of strong physical evidence, investigations have relied on interrogations, informants and sting operations. In a nod to the missing pieces, the museum still displays the empty frames as placeholders for their hoped-for return.
Colby-Sawyer has no empty frames on display, and Andrea, who retired in 2005, said it’s unlikely that the stolen etchings will be returned, as it would be challenging to prove that a recovered piece came from the college. The nature of printmaking allows for duplicates to be made, and Colby-Sawyer’s etchings do not have many, if any, identifying features.
“Proving that a piece found is our specific print would be really tough,” Andrea said in a July 2024 interview. “There are multiples out there, owned by others. It is truly such a loss for the school.”
Despite that, as the search continues, the hope remains that one day these pieces might resurface, returning a piece of history to Colby-Sawyer.
Were you on campus during this time? Do you remember seeing the college’s Rembrandts? We’d love to hear your story. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information, we encourage you to reach out to Stacy Hannings ’14 at stacy.hannings@colby-sawyer.edu or 603.933.0437
portfolio
publications, exhibitions and awards
Andrew Snow ’07 published Run Elite: Train and Think Like the Greatest Runners of All Time , which has hit No. 1 on Amazon in two categories. The book explores the elite athlete mindset and how to structure training for world-class performances. Snow wrote the book as a passion project after running the iconic Tahoe 200-mile race, but the book now drives his coaching program and YouTube channel and inspires runners and athletes around the world.
School of Business & Social Sciences Assistant Professor Jason Vallee recently published Invincible Leadership , a book focused on achieving leadership excellence through personal growth and strategic development. The book offers practical tools for creating a leadership plan, blending theory with practice to help leaders reach their full potential. It covers topics such as continuous learning, overcoming imposter syndrome, mastering emotional intelligence and conflict resolution.
Vallee also collaborated with Colby-Sawyer students Keegan T. Fredette ’27 and Ryan A. Vallee ’27 to create a companion, Invincible Leadership Journal , available on Amazon, designed to help leaders track their progress and develop a personalized leadership plan.
Will Hyland ’19 debuted his first book, Bayside: A Novel , on June 13, 2024. The story follows 21-year-old William “Billy” Bakeman, who plans to spend his last summer before college graduation interning at his uncle’s law firm in Maine. However, Billy soon becomes entangled in a criminal investigation that tests the loyalties and reputations of his small town. Instead of leaving it to law enforcement, he decides to uncover the truth himself, risking personal safety and long-held beliefs about his community. Set on Maine’s picturesque coast, Bayside is a coming-of-age mystery that combines sharp wit, friendship and Yankee ingenuity.
Erika Tsipouras ’05 recently published her book Healthy Mama, Healthy Baby , an empowering guide for expectant mothers seeking a holistic approach to pregnancy. This book emphasizes the importance of nurturing the body and mind, offering practical advice on maintaining a positive mindset, staying active and making nourishing food choices. With expert insights and easy-to-follow tips, it helps moms-to-be create a healthier journey from pregnancy to birth, promoting well-being for both mother and baby.
New Director of Athletics Jeanette McKillop Eager to Contribute to Culture of Excellence
Jeanette McKillop joined the Colby-Sawyer staff on June 1, when she began her tenure as the new director of athletics.
McKillop came to ColbySawyer from nearby Rindge, New Hampshire, where she spent the previous five years serving as the associate athletic director for compliance and senior woman administrator at Franklin Pierce University (FPU). Her appointment as director of athletics followed a national search that yielded a diverse pool of candidates from across the country and was announced last March by then-President Susan D. Stuebner.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jen and her family to the Colby-Sawyer community,” Stuebner said. “The search committee and I were impressed with Jen’s experience in mentoring and developing successful coaches, her encouragement of student-athletes in pursuing their best and whole selves and her ability to collaborate well with all campus constituents. I know that Jen will apply her many talents to enhancing the Chargers’ tradition of excellence.”
As director of athletics, McKillop leads and manages all aspects of the college’s 20 NCAA intercollegiate athletics programs, the majority of which compete in the Division III Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). She oversees the recruitment, hiring and supervision of the athletic department’s 35 full-time and part-time employees and student workers, as well as the recruitment efforts of prospective student-athletes.
The Chargers are the winners of five straight GNAC women’s cross-country titles and three straight GNAC women’s tennis championships, with nine student-athletes having earned major GNAC awards over the course of the last academic year. Additionally, 70 Colby-Sawyer student-athletes earned recognition on the latest GNAC Academic All-Conference Team.
“I am committed to fostering an environment where studentathletes thrive academically, athletically and personally,” said McKillop, who attended the University of San Diego on a Division I basketball scholarship. “One of my primary goals is to build on that holistic approach to student development, ensuring that every student-athlete receives the support they need to succeed both on
and off the field. I see athletics as an avenue for not just physical development, but also for fostering essential life skills and character traits that are invaluable in all aspects of life.”
In her role as associate athletic director at FPU, McKillop was responsible for compliance operations regarding the institution’s 24 NCAA programs, as well as initiatives in Title IX and diversity, equity and inclusion. Prior to her appointment as associate athletic director, McKillop spent three seasons as head coach of FPU’s women’s basketball program, after 10 seasons as an assistant coach of Division I programs at the College of William & Mary, Sacred Heart University, Lafayette College and the University of California, San Diego.
McKillop said she was drawn to Colby-Sawyer because of its spirit of collaboration and opportunity and that she looks forward to forging meaningful relationships with student-athletes, coaches, administrators and members of the greater campus community.
“The passion and dedication evident throughout the institution are inspiring, and I am eager to contribute to this culture of excellence,” McKillop said. “My hope is to enhance the integration of athletics into the broader campus community and foster a sense of unity and pride among all.”
McKillop holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from the University of San Diego and a Master of Education in sport management from East Stroudsburg University. She is currently a doctoral candidate of higher education administration at New England College.
jeanette mckillop makes a presentation at the athletic hall of fame induction ceremony during homecoming & family weekend 2024.
news from alumni relations
Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Award Recipients
During Homecoming & Family Weekend, the college honored three alumni for their accomplishments, service and commitment to Colby-Sawyer College. Heidi Grey Niblack ’68 received the Distinguished Alumni Award, Ann Woodd-Cahusac Neary ’74 received the Alumni Service Award and Jourdain Bell ’19 received the Young Alumni Achievement Award.
Read more about the recipients at colby-sawyer.edu/community/ homecoming/awards.
Alumni, We Welcome Your Feedback
The Colby-Sawyer College Alumni Office will be conducting an alumni survey this fall. This survey will gather insights about your education and career journey since graduating from Colby-Sawyer and offer an opportunity to reflect on your connection with the college. Your feedback will help us better understand your experiences and explore ways to enhance alumni involvement. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details!
POD Education Platform Offers Students, Alums Chance to Connect, Form Mentoring Partnerships
Colby-Sawyer is excited to introduce POD Education, a new platform designed to foster connections between alumni and students. With POD Education, alumni can find and connect with fellow graduates, post job opportunities for alumni and students and form mentoring partnerships with current students. This tool will enhance communication, empower future alumni and embrace the strong community spirit that defines Colby-Sawyer. Stay tuned for more details on how you can join and engage with the platform!
save the date
Homecoming & Family Weekend 2025
Friday, Oct. 17-Sunday, Oct. 19
Alumni, parents, family and friends are invited to campus for a fun-filled weekend, Featuring the Colby-Sawyer Athletics Golf Tournament, food and live music at the Quad Fair, workshops with faculty, campus tours and much, much more. Milestone reunion celebrations will take place for alumni with class years ending in 0 and 5. Additional information can be found at colby-sawyer.edu/homecoming.
Thanks to everyone who attended Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024. Photos from the event can be found by visiting flickr.com/photos/csc_alumni/albums.
CONTACT
the Alumni Office: alumni@colby-sawyer.edu | 603.526.3426
colbysawyeralumni
flickr.com/csc_alumni
ashley goulter ’08, assistant director of financial aid at lasell university, represents interim president laura sykes ’98 and colby-sawyer at lasell’s inauguration festivities this fall.
alumni awards recipients (l to r) heidi grey niblack ’68, ann woodd-cahusac neary ’74 and jourdain bell ’19
SERVICE BEYOND BORDERS FROM NURSING SCHOOL TO ARMY OFFICER
By Stacy Hannings ’14
Growing up in Dover, New Hampshire, Molly Bliven Michelson ’24 was homeschooled until sixth grade, then shifted to full-time online education with the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS). She knew she wanted to pursue a career in nursing, and when it came time to choose a college, Colby-Sawyer’s connection with Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center became a deciding factor for her.
“I heard nothing but praise for Colby-Sawyer’s nursing program from professionals I looked up to,” she said.
Michelson’s passion for nursing runs deep in her family legacy: Her great-grandmother served as a cadet nurse during World War II, her mother is a nurse, and her great-grandfather, a WWII veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, was a career nurse’s aide.
“There’s an unbreakable link between my family and healthcare,” she said. “Being a nurse carries immense responsibility, and I value that trust. Though it’s hard, I look forward to supporting the health of communities throughout my career.”
Michelson said she was also inspired by her family’s military background, prompting her to take a unique dual path as she pursued a military career through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). ROTC is a college program designed to prepare students for leadership roles as commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. By blending military training with a college education, ROTC equips students to serve in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force or Space Force.
However, Michelson faced a challenge: Colby-Sawyer didn’t have its own ROTC program. As a result, she embarked on an intense regimen by participating in the ROTC program at the University of New Hampshire while still enrolled full-time at Colby-Sawyer.
“I spent mornings getting up at four, driving myself to PT and sometimes squeezing in eight-mile marches before my 8 a.m. classes,” she said. “It was a tough balance, but it’s given me resilience. The ROTC program demanded high-pressure leadership training that, in many ways, complements the pressures of nursing.”
One of the most transformative experiences of Michelson’s ROTC training came during an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, part of the Nurse Summer Training Program. She completed more than 180 clinical hours in a military hospital setting, gaining hands-on experience in high-stakes environments.
“It was like Colby-Sawyer’s senior practicum but within the military framework — an incredible learning experience that tested and strengthened my skills,” Michelson said.
Her future husband, Peter, a fellow nursing student at Colby-Sawyer, joined the ROTC program alongside Michelson in her sophomore year. Peter had enlisted in the National Guard before attending ColbySawyer, serving in the Signal Corps, which focuses on communication.
“He was the only other person I’d seen in uniform on campus, and we quickly became each other’s support system,” Michelson said. To align their futures in the Army Nurse Corps, the couple eloped in June 2023, enabling them to serve at the same duty station through the Married Army Couples Program (MACP).
“I’m not sure I could have balanced ROTC with nursing without Peter’s support,” Michelson said. “Having a partner who understands the challenges has been invaluable.”
Upon graduation, Molly Michelson was commissioned as an active duty Army nurse with a four-year commitment. Her husband will graduate in 2025 and plans to join the Army Nurse Corps on active duty, making their journey together even more unique.
“A day in the life of an Army nurse isn’t very different from a civilian nurse’s day — 12-hour shifts and days off — but deployments and military duties add a new dimension,” Michelson said.
Reflecting on her time at Colby-Sawyer, Michelson said she is grateful for the growth and resilience she developed.
“Colby-Sawyer allowed me to grow and adapt throughout my college years,” she said. “My class and I navigated a pandemic, virtual learning, social distancing and many challenges in a demanding academic setting. Those experiences made me a stronger, more capable individual.”
For the Michelsons, their journey is more than a career; it’s a commitment to a life of service shaped by community, family and resilience.
molly bliven michelson ’24 and her husband, peter michelson ’25, have navigated a journey that exemplifies dedication to service, community and resilience.
A NEW BEGINNING FOR AUSTIN HALL
By Alison Stevens ’25
When you hear the words “Austin Hall,” so many different memories could come to mind. Was it the gymnasium where you learned to play basketball or field hockey? Was it the venue of your first school dance? Was it the residence hall where you met lifelong friends? Do you remember walking past it on your way to the library? Austin Hall has served many purposes throughout the years. This year, it transformed once again.
The brick building was constructed in 1926 and served as the campus gymnasium beginning in 1927. The majority of the space was taken up by a large room with a basketball court and tall arched windows on each wall. If you look closely at Austin now, you can still see the slight difference in the color of the bricks where these giant windows once were. The building also contained a corrective exercise room, showers, lecture rooms, meeting rooms, faculty offices and a lounge. These facilities were used by faculty and students of Colby School for Girls and Colby Junior College for Women, two of the previous names of Colby-Sawyer College. Physical education was a graduation requirement for students at the time. They had many classes to choose from, including body mechanics, modern dance, fencing, lacrosse and archery.
The gymnasium was not only used for athletics but was an important event space as well. Many dances were held in the gymnasium, like the annual Valentine’s Day dance (pictured). It was also utilized during parents’ weekend in the 1950s for events such as the father-daughter dance and the family supper. This gymnasium served the students well for decades until plans were made to expand housing options and to build a new gym.
In 1965, Austin was converted into a residence hall. The renovation created additional rooms, including plenty of singles, doubles, triples and even quads. It cost about $215,000 for this transformation, which would be equivalent to more than $2 million today. On Oct. 9, 1965, this special building was dedicated to Eugene M. Austin, who served as the college’s second president from 1955 until his death in 1962. When Austin became a residence hall, students also lived in Abbey, Best, Burpee, Colby, Colgate, McKean, Page and Shepard Halls. Another residential space, located in a house on Main Street no longer owned by the college, was La Chaumière, or French House, which housed 10 students. To live there, students had to receive an invitation based on their linguistic abilities, since only French was spoken in the building.
With the opening of the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences in fall 2024, Austin Hall has transformed once again. The building now contains offices for the nursing, exercise science and health science faculty. Austin Hall did not require major structural renovations for this change, but it has been revamped with new carpeting and a fresh coat of paint.
Residence hall rooms that once held college students and their belongings are now used as offices. The large, residential common rooms are now conference spaces and break rooms for faculty.
Throughout its 59 years as a residence hall, Austin Hall was home to hundreds of CJC and CSC students. Hannah Himes ’25 and Heather Hanson ’25 lived in a quad in Austin in 2022-23, their sophomore year. Both said they thoroughly appreciate the time they spent as residents of Austin.
“[It was] probably my favorite place I’ve lived on campus,” Himes said.
Some of the benefits they enjoyed were the convenient location and the number and size of the rooms. Their only complaint was the morning noise coming from the demolition of Reichhold, which was razed to make space for the Schaefer Center for Health Sciences. Because of their great experiences living in Austin Hall, they said it was hard to see it change.
On the other hand, Hanson said, “It is cool to know that we were some of the last students to live in the quad.”
The year 2026 will mark an entire century since Austin Hall was built. Out of all the beautiful buildings on Colby-Sawyer’s campus, Austin has adapted to the needs of students most frequently. Over the years, the community has loved Austin as a gymnasium and a residence hall. Now, as it is reinvented once again, the Colby-Sawyer community gets to experience it as a hub for faculty to conduct their work and meet with students and advisees.
Alison Stevens is a history and political studies major from Essex Junction, Vermont.
visual of austin as a dormitory – circa early 1960s
top left: colby junior college physical education class
top right: gymnasium (now austin hall) decorated for the valentine’s dance – c. 1930s
bottom: students gather in a residence hall room in austin hall - fall of 1970
1934
DOROTHY BRESNAHAN STAFFORD
August 24, 1985
1938
SHIRLEY BONAWIT EDWARDS
May 4, 2011
1939
BARBARA COLSON BREWER
January 23, 1997
1940
HILAH RUST ALLEN
November 30, 1993
HARRIET MCINTYRE FOLLEY
July 13, 2011
1942
EDITH DOE BALLARD
February 14, 2024
CONSTANCE RUDD COLE
April 24, 2024
AUDREY ARNOLD JASKO
February 11, 2024
1944
ELEANOR BEAULIEU DALEY
December 30, 2021
DORIS TREBING RUSSELL
December 27, 2008
1945
BIRGIT LUNDBERG LOHNE
July 6, 2024
WINIFRED GRANT RAABE
May 20, 2021
1946
CHARLENE WAUGH JACKSON
May 3, 2024
ALYS KIRKLAND REEVIE
April 10, 2024
1947
PRISCILLA “KIT” DOBBS RITZ
March 30, 2024
1948
PATRICIA “PAT” BENTLEY NYE
May 5, 2024
LOIS BOOTH ROBBIE
May 1, 2024
ELIZABETH FANEUF UNDERHILL
December 5, 2013
1949
CATHRYN JOSLIN CENTER
March 22, 2024
JIMI PERSONS HALSTEAD
May 31, 2024
MARGARET “PEGGY” WELCH
MOORE
August 28, 2015
CAROLYN OLIVER PIKE
April 22, 2018
ANN BISHOP SMITH
December 21, 2019
1950
PAULINE GILLINGHAM BILLINGS
December 2, 2020
ANNE MAHER GRIMES
January 21, 2024
JOAN REYNOLDS IRISH
March 11, 2024
ELSIE KOENIG MOYER
November 26, 2023
HARRIET PATRIQUIN SANCHEZ
February 14, 2024
1951
MARCIA COWLES BUSHNELL
February 15, 2024
PHYLLIS BURKE DAVIS
August 8, 2024
ANNA ROSE HARRISON HADLEY
March 12, 1924
MARGUERITE WHITEHOUSE
PENNEL
December 6, 2022
1952
URSULA MEYERHOF DAVIS
May 29, 2024
MARILYN WOODS ENTWISTLE
March 27, 2024
ELAINE SARTORELLI GILBERTSON
September 21, 2024
ANN RAABE HALLORAN
March 19, 2024
MARION HICKEY WHITING
July 7, 2024
1954
PATRICIA BLACKWOOD
March 11, 2024
NANCY BROWN CUMMINGS
March 3, 2024
JANET KINZ FERGUSON
December 19, 2014
LOUISE KLEINSCHMIDT JOHNSON
September 20, 2006
DOROTHY PERCILLA SAVACOOL
December 23, 2023
1955
PATRICIA COOK COHEN
July 16, 2024
ELSA WALLACK DOBKIN
February 10, 2024
BETTY ANN GODSCHALL MCGOWAN
August 13, 2017
1956
JANE GRAVES BRINK
January 15, 2024
CYNTHIA OSWALD SIPOS
March 22, 2024
ANNE CAMP ST. JOHN February 14, 2024
1957
JEAN BUTLER FRISKE
January 5, 2023
BARBARA RIVERS HIBBS
May 6, 2024
KATHRYN “KAY” SOMERS SYKES
September 20, 2024
MARY KNOX TATNALL
May 6, 2024
LINDA CEDERHOLM UMHOLTZ February 24, 2022
1958
SANDRA BECKER BURKE
September 3, 2010
MARY ANN LINK RUSSELL
March 3, 2024
SALLY MCINTYRE TUCKER
April 26, 2024
1959
MARY “POLLY” WILLAND CALHOUN
April 24, 2024
ANN WYCOFF HAYNES
August 2, 2021
PATRICIA CURRIE LASCH
May 19, 2007
BARBARA HALLETT MILLER
April 14, 2022
1960
CHRISTINE CARLSON DOLAN
June 4, 2024
CHARLENE WOLCOTT GRAY
May 28, 2024
NAVARRE “NICKY” DANSRAND
PURCELL
March 15, 2023
1961
SUSAN HALL ECKEL
May 6, 2024
NOELLE QUACKENBUSH
JORALEMON
July 6, 2024
FAY EDSON LLOYD
May 17, 2024
MARY “BETSY” LOOMIS NORTON
February 3, 1941
1962
MARY HELLER HALLIDAY
April 21, 2024
BARBARA STONE RAMSAY April 22, 2020
1963
CAROL DAVIS BONAZZOLI February 9, 2023
LINDA FEHLINGER HOEY
February 18, 2024
1964
LOIS ANN MACFARLANE MUDGE
July 12, 2015
1965
LUCY WHITE DEAN May 28, 2024
SARA ANN WITTE MULLEN February 9, 2024
1966
JANET GERRY ELDRIDGE
June 1, 2023
JANET WEDEN GEARAN
May 2, 2024
ANN PARKS
January 19, 2024
MEREDITH SPEAR SPENCER
March 16, 2024
1967
PENELOPE “PENNY” BANKS PECK August 7, 2024
1968
ELIZABETH “BUFFY” WILLIAMSON HUNT
July 6, 2024
1969
JOAN E. CROWLEY
June 22, 2024
JUDITH JOHNSON DUDGEON August 14, 2024
GALE D. SPARROW March 31, 2024
1970
ANNE NORDBLUM DODGE March 18, 2024
1972
GLENNA KING OUTWIN December 1, 2020
1975
SHELILA HEFFERNAN MCDONOUGH June 27, 2024
1978
JEN S. THAYER
July 15, 2024
1979
ELIZABETH “LIZ” SMITH WILLIAMS February 20, 2024
1980
TAYLOR ANNE FOX February 14, 2024
1982
ANDREA D. WILLIAMS
June 24, 2024
1984
NANCY DANA FIFIELD September 11, 2024
1995
RICK ELLIS October 5, 2024
1999
SHANE M. HOOVER June 10, 2024
2001
SARA CHRISTENSEN-SMITH March 21, 2024
2020
ANDERS L. WICKSTROM September 9, 2024
2021
MARGARET “MAGGIE” CARTER April 18, 2024
Former Faculty
JOHN “JACK” CROWL September 11, 2019
GORDON L. MARSHALL September 8, 2024
MICHAEL D. SKINNER April 24, 2024
Colby-Sawyer’s Day of
Giving:
THE NUMBERS THAT TELL OUR STORY
1,984 donors stepped up to support Colby-Sawyer
An incredible $780,000+ raised for our students Gifts received from 37 states
We set an ambitious target for Colby-Sawyer’s sixth annual Day of Giving: 1,837 donors to represent the year of our founding. We’re thrilled to announce that we didn’t just meet this goal — we shattered it!
These figures aren’t just impressive — they’re historic. Both the number of donors and the amount raised represent new records for our college!
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE for our seventh annual day of giving on Thursday, April 17, 2025. To learn more about how you can get involved in this annual event, contact Luke Gorman at luke.gorman@colby-sawyer.edu.
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Take the Next Step in Your Career
Explore our Graduate & Professional Studies Programs
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
BUSINESS
Master of Business Administration | online
4+1 Master of Business Administration
HEALTH SCIENCES | online MS in Exercise Science
NURSING | online
MS in Nursing (MSN)
Post-Master’s Certificate
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
SOCIAL SCIENCES | online
Master of Social Work (MSW)
PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
DEGREE COMPLETION
Accelerated BS in Nursing (ABSN)
AS to BS in Health Studies | online RN to BS in Nursing | online
RT to BS in Respiratory Therapy | online
Return to your alma mater for a graduate degree designed for working professionals like you.
