Donation Turns a Page for 2 Universities

Development directors often work to build strong relations with potential donors and try to motivate alumni of various generations to give back financially to their alma mater. However, there are occasions when a major gift can result from an unexpected source.
News broke today about such a donation. The estate of the late Jane Iris Crutchfield, a retired librarian and school teacher who passed away two years ago, will give more than $2 million to be split between two universities she attended. The amount of $1.1 million will go to both the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia.

Wire stories report Crutchfield had tucked away much of her money throughout her life.
Crutchfield received her master's degree at U.Va. in 1952 and the equivalent of a master's degree at UNC in 1955. Her gift to UNC will go to a scholarship fund that benefits students admitted to one of the school's master's degree programs. In Virginia, the bulk of the donation will be used to complete Bavaro Hall, a new multipurpose center, and for student financial aid and faculty support.
The September edition of University Business featured "Development Directors Speak Out," a Q & A with four development directors (with one of them employed at UNC) giving their thoughts on topics such as landing a major gift and hiring and retaining the right employees. Read it here.