Leaving a Legacy
The 50th Reunion at Wheaton is a once-in-a-lifetime event with an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce with classmates through special programs and many alumnae mark the occasion with a special gift to Wheaton.
As Reunion nears, the Class of 1974 is making progress toward reaching the fundraising goals that will secure our legacy to Wheaton. As a reminder, we have particular focus in three areas:
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- The Wheaton Fund
- Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship
- Founders Society
Scroll down to see how we are doing in each of these areas.
The Wheaton Fund
Our goal is to raise $350,000 for the current year (through June 30, 2024) and secure another $350,000 in pledges for July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028 for the Wheaton Fund. Contributions to the Wheaton Fund represent the most flexible form of support that is immediately available to ensure student success by responding to the College’s emerging and ongoing needs.
Give Now Wheaton Fund Multi-Year Pledge Form
Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship
To establish our class’s endowed Scholarship, we must collectively, through gifts or pledges, contribute a minimum of $100,000. Ideally, our goal is to raise at least $250,000 because we believe that with gifts this year and pledges over the next four years, our class can rise to the occasion to fund a 1974 endowed scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving student based on financial need. The more we contribute to this endowment, the larger the scholarship will be.
Give Now Endowed Scholarship Multi-Year Pledge Form
Founders Society
Our goal is to have 20 members of our class join the Founders Society. Seven members of our class have already joined by including Wheaton in their estate planning. (Thank you!) You can join in a number of ways including designating a specific gift in a will or trust or naming Wheaton as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401K or other retirement account. Our goal is to add 20 Founders Society members.
What counts in the 50th Reunion Gift?
In short… everything! All gifts given to Wheaton from July 1 following your 45th Reunion through June 30 of your 50th Reunion, and pledges for gifts that will be fulfilled within the fours years following your 50th Reunion are counted for your 50th gift.
Why will I be asked to increase my support of Wheaton in honor of my 50th?
With almost a decade of opportunity and many different ways to give, we hope that you will consider your own unique legacy to Wheaton and create a gift that is significant for you.
Wheaton depends upon the generosity and spirit of each 50th Reunion class to sustain the College’s commitment to educate future leaders in all walks of life. This is an opportunity to establish a legacy and pay it forward to the next generation of Wheaton students.
Your gift will have an important and far-reaching impact. Everyone in your class will be encouraged to participate in the 50th Reunion Gift. Levels of support vary from person to person, but your class volunteers will ask for a meaningful gift from every classmate.
We hope you’ll consider supporting your class and Wheaton in the following way:
- A multi-year pledge to the Wheaton Fund;
- A multi-year pledge to the Endowment;
- Join the Founder’s Society by including the College in your estate plan or establishing a life income gift.
Class volunteers and Wheaton staff are available to help you explore creative ways to structure your gift to best meet your family, financial and philanthropic goals.
Class of 1974 50th Reunion Goals
This goal is inclusive of the nine-year arc for reunion: July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2028
Current standing: $1.25M
(*standings updated 3.22.24 and will be updated monthly)
Current standing: $39,500
(*standings updated 3.22.24 and will be updated monthly)
Current standing: 7 members
(*standings updated 3.22.24 and will be updated monthly)
Getting Involved
Your class officers need your help in planning for your 50th Reunion. From being a class caller to helping with the memory book, hosting a mini-reunion, or supporting the Class Gift effort, there are countless opportunities for you to participate in this momentous occasion. To learn more about getting involved, you may visit your class page or reach out to a Wheaton staff member below.
Class of 1974 Class Officers
Class Co-Presidents
Priscilla Brown Carey
Jane Martin
Class Co-Vice Presidents
Michelle Ritz
Tanya Yagian
Wheaton Fund Co-Chairs
Nancy Tuck Echlov
Gail Smith Pratzon
Cheryl Vedoe
Need to update your contact info with Wheaton? You can do so here!
50th Reunion Staff Liaisons
Reunion Programming
Courtney Shurtleff
Assistant Vice President for Advancement
(508) 286-8207
Reunion Fundraising
Kate Boylan
Associate Director, Wheaton Fund
(508) 286-3568