Donor Stories

Alumnus Inspired to Provide Future Students with Transformative Pitzer Experience

Zander Sprague ’91 is taking Pitzer College’s motto, Provida Futuri, to heart with a gift supporting generations of students as they become socially responsible citizens of the world.

One of Pitzer’s First Graduates Opens Doors for Future Students

Louise Thornton firmly believes Pitzer College changed her life. Read more to find out how she is giving back so future generations can enjoy the same Pitzer experience she did.

Donor Spotlight: Mike Christie and Terry Cobb

Star Trek fans Terry Cobb and Mike Christie have decided to use their estate plan to help his alma mater, Pitzer College, live long and prosper.

Pitzer Served as Starting Point for Grateful Couple Who Have Chosen to Give Back

Philippe Cohen and Cindy Stead are grateful for all they gained from their Pitzer experience, and it’s where they started their lifelong partnership. The couple’s appreciation led them to pay it forward to Pitzer, which in turn will benefit the College for generations to come.

Donor Spotlight: Ali Jennings ’69

Alumnae Ali Jennings adored her time spent at Pitzer College. As a way to leave a legacy and support the students there, she chose to include the College in her will.

Donor Spotlight: Don Gould

Students are drawn to Pitzer because of its extraordinary people and distinctive approach to education—the same holds true for Pitzer's leadership. In his 13th year as a Pitzer College Trustee, Don Gould is one of the board's most engaged trustees.

Donor Spotlight: Lisa Bourgeault ’83

For alumna Lisa Bourgeault '83, giving to Pitzer College is a way of paying it forward. Having received financial aid as a student, she gave back to Pitzer when she could.

Donor Spotlight: Tom Brock ’83

Tom Brock '83 attended Pitzer College through financial aid support. Now, more than 30 years later, he wants to make sure that aspiring students who need assistance can receive the Pitzer education they seek, regardless of means.

Donor Spotlight: Marsha East ’88

With good humor, alumna Marsha East '88 said that it was "age" that prompted her and her wife, Kate Webster, to make a planned gift to Pitzer College. But beyond recognizing that life is finite and that financial planning is important, they made a bequest to Pitzer because of the deep affinity Marsha feels for the College.

Donor Spotlight: Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Africana Studies Hal Fairchild and Heather Fairchild

During his 23 years at Pitzer College, Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Africana Studies Hal Fairchild was a known entity on campus: an admired colleague and mentor, a vocal crusader for change, a passionate teacher and advocate for Pitzer's values.

Donor Spotlight: Mitchell Felton '13

Proud and grateful to be a Pitzer alumnus, Mitchell Felton '13 served on the College's Alumni Board from 2014 to 2017, interviews prospective students, organizes and hosts events for alumni in the Bay Area, serves as an all-around ambassador and champion for Pitzer, and holds this special distinction—Mitchell is the youngest person to make a planned gift to the College.

Donor Spotlight: Fay and Richard Hudgins P’85

When parents lose a child, the loss and heartbreak is felt forever. Such a tragedy befell Pitzer parents Forough "Fay" and Richard Hudgins P'85 when they lost their daughter, Leanora Hudgins, a 1985 Pitzer College graduate, more than 20 years ago.

Donor Spotlight: Mary Frances Jett

When Pitzer College alumnus Jeffery Robert Frum '12 was tragically killed in an accident mere months after graduation, his aunt, Mary Frances Jett, decided to direct her resources to establish the Jeffery Robert Frum '12 Endowed Scholarship in his honor.

Donor Spotlight: Nerice Kaufman ’70

Nerice Kaufman '70 has had an eclectic career path since graduating from Pitzer and credits the College with preparing her for the various roles she's held. She's created the African American Endowed Scholarship as a way to pay back the College for all the opportunities her education provided her.

Donor Spotlight: Steven Leskin ’84

When Pitzer alumnus Steven Leskin '84 was in high school, he had an opportunity to meet and get to know a small group of alumni. They inspired him to look into attending Pitzer, which changed his life.

Donor Spotlight: Professor Emeritus of Sociology Peter Nardi

As many do at Pitzer College, Emeritus Professor of Sociology Peter Nardi found that he could be himself here. The encouragement to research, write and teach in ways that were personally meaningful and professionally fulfilling were among what he valued most and part of what compelled him to stay for 33 years—1975 to 2008.

Donor Spotlight: Jon Parro '81 and Diane Parro '80

Jon Parro '81 and Diane (Watanabe) Parro '80 discovered a lot at Pitzer College—meaningful relationships, expanded world views, a passion for social justice and each other.

Donor Spotlight: Josette Siqueiros ’95

Discover why Josette Siqueriros felt compelled to give back to the college that gave her so much while she was a student there, helping her achieve her dreams.

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