Class Gifts

The University had received $506 million in gifts through May 31 of the fiscal year, $13 million ahead of donation totals at the same time a year ago, according to University Treasurer James F. Rothenberg ’68, M.B.A. ’70, who gave an accounting of class gifts at the HAA’s annual meeting on the afternoon of Commencement day.

The biggest news came from the class of 1981, which set a new record for the second-highest reunion total in Harvard history with $40.2 million. The class also recorded the highest number of donors—nearly 1,100 people—ever to participate in the class gift. The class of 1971 donated $17.4 million; and the class of 1956 came in with $17.7 million. Rothenberg also announced the largest single gift ever received by the University Art Museums: $12 million from the bequest of Horace Chapin, class of 1871. “This planned gift provided for nine beneficiaries throughout their lifetimes and has now created an enduring legacy for the Museums,” he noted.

In closing, Rothenberg recognized “one of our community’s most influential citizens”—the late Robert G. Stone Jr. ’45, L.H.D. ’03 (see "Harvard Citizen"), longtime chairman of the Committee on University Resources, and added, “It seems fitting that I end with a phrase that Bob used so often from this podium: ‘Thank you for all you do for this great University.’”