How Donors Help

 

When Joline Reddan Lessells ’49 passed away earlier this year, her husband, Gerry, honored her legacy by donating a collection of her favorite books to Regis. The books – which include many celebrated female writers such as the Brontë sisters and Jane Austen – now occupy a special place in the Regis Library, visible to students who study and research there.

But Gerry didn’t stop there. In addition to gifting the books, he wanted to encourage students to immerse themselves in the material. He established the Joline Reddan Lessells Essay Prize, supported by an endowment he funded. Students will engage in a yearly competition, making use of the book collection, and the best entry will receive a prize.

“Gerry’s generous gift to college is a creative way to remember his amazing wife, who was passionate about literature,” says Don Bowman, vice president for the Office of Institutional Advancement at Regis. “Because of the collection and competition, Regis students who are also passionate about literature are encouraged to continue their work, and Joline is remembered by a new generation.”