The Heilmann Legacy

When Cheryl and I decided to make a gift to the renovation and expansion of Hoyt Science Center, we chose the ‘family’ designation as a way to exemplify our combined family values. theHEILMANN

LEGACY

In the newest phase of the Hoyt Science Center, raised silver lettering against a blue-gray wall proclaims to all that they have entered The Heilmann Family Corridor. It’s a distinctive claim in a very visible area in close proximity to the chemistry labs. An observer might logically conclude that the Heilmanns must be a family of scientists, when in fact, the inspiration for the corridor is from the parents of a scientist.

Christian G. ’72 and Cheryl Reed ’72 Heilmann, both English majors while at Westminster, were inspired to support the renovation and expansion of the Hoyt Science Center with a naming gift opportunity in part because of their son’s career as a Ph.D. and senior research scientist at a global pharmaceutical firm.

“As parents, we strived to set an example of the importance of education, and we are proud that our son is now working to make the world a better and healthier place by contributing to the research and development of pharmaceutical advancements in the areas of diabetes and oncology,” said Christian. “When Cheryl and I decided to make a gift to the renovation and expansion of Hoyt Science Center, we chose the ‘family’ designation as a way to exemplify our combined family values.”

While philanthropic engagement was likely the furthest thing from their minds when Chris and Cheryl met at Westminster in 1969, they both credit their liberal arts education and time spent at Westminster as instrumental in their future endeavors. After graduating from Westminster, Chris embarked on a distinguished career in investments and private banking that included being recognized as Private Banker of the Year in New York City in 2004. During his 46-year banking career, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of Merrill Lynch Trust Company and recently retired as vice chairman of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. Cheryl found her work in preschool and grade school education specializing in reading development to be both fulfilling and rewarding. “From New Wilmington to spending decades on Wall Street, my experiences at Westminster were foundational to my success and now being in a position to help support future students prepare for fulfilling careers is a meaningful part of our family’s legacy,” Heilmann said.

~ Dr. Jean M. Hale