Hale Scholarship Initiative: Doubling the Impact of Financial Aid

In an act of extraordinary generosity, Karen and Rob ’88 Hale P’20 have set aside $10 million of their recent gift of $30 million to the College to significantly increase financial aid and scholarship support for Conn students. As part of the recently-launched Hale Scholarship Initiative, every new endowed scholarship fund created at $250,000 or more will be doubled via the $10 million fund.

Recognizing the commitment and philanthropic spirit of the Conn community, Karen and Rob want to magnify the impact of other leadership donors who are determined to transform lives. “More than ever,” Rob stated, “our society needs the kinds of graduates this College helps develop, and we are honored to help do our part to stand with them. This community is so generous, and we’re excited to partner with other major donors in this way.”

When fully realized, the Hale Initiative will add $20 million to the endowment for scholarship and financial aid, significantly advancing the College’s commitment to access and attracting the nation’s top students, including BIPOC and first-generation students, as well as those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. “Connecticut College has continually embraced the principles of equity and inclusion as part of its distinctive moral framework,” says President Katherine Bergeron. “This new initiative, made possible by the selflessness of Rob and Karen, helps us fulfill our commitment to all deserving students, offering opportunities to expand their horizons, find their passions, and lead with conviction.”

Donors will not only have their commitments doubled (a $250,000 scholarship will become $500,000, a $500,000 scholarship will grow to $1 million etc.), they will have the option of naming a scholarship for themselves or to honor someone important to them. The Hale Initiative will also strengthen the institution’s overall financial position and provide opportunities for generations of talented students to come.

“This College changed my life, and Karen and I believe deeply in its mission, its innovations as a liberal arts educator, and the leadership skills it builds in students.” Rob Hale ’88 P’20

The goal of the initiative, which will turn $10 million of support into $20 million, is to strengthen the institution’s financial position and provide opportunities for generations of students to come, nurturing the global citizens capable of leading us honestly, imaginatively and passionately into the future.

By the Numbers: Meeting the Needs of Today’s Students

Igniting Possibilities

Alumni & Student Stories

• Scholarship aid supports Aubry Shaw ’22 during research trip to Costa Rica in summer 2021
• Bosnian student David Radic ’23 re-calls excitement on Conn acceptance
• Isis Torres-Nuñez ’20 credits Conn with life-changing experience
• Maurice Tiner ’17 continues to lead and achieve

Donor Stories

• Sarah A. Schoellkopf ’97
• Dodie Sutro Crawford ’89
• Patricia Salz Koskinen ’64 and John Koskinen

For more information about the Hale Scholarship Initiative, please contact Susan Daniells ’01, Director of Development, at 860-439-5395 or sdaniells@conncoll.edu