Muriel Hart ’47: Lifetime and Estate Gifts Create Endowed Scholarship Fund

Muriel Hart ’47 grew up close to the College in nearby Norwich and remembered how difficult things were for her family during the Depression. Despite her family’s financial hardship, Muriel was able to attend Connecticut College with the assistance of financial aid. Muriel was eternally grateful for this life-changing opportunity and pledged during her lifetime to establish the Muriel Hart Endowed Scholarship Fund through outright gifts during her life and, ultimately, through her estate.

Muriel passed away in June of 2021. Muriel named the College as the recipient of her estate but hadn’t shared the scope of her generosity! The assets Muriel left were diverse, including as a beneficiary of her IRA, a beneficiary of two life insurance policies, bonds, and a specific amount from her will. She thought of Connecticut College in so many different ways.

To date, 11 students have been beneficiaries of the Muriel Hart Endowed Scholarship Fund. During her life Muriel wrote many letters to her class as a Planned Giving Agent and Bequest Aide, discussing the personal benefits of life-income gifts and the ease of bequests and beneficiary designations.

Muriel wrote, “If those who come after us are to enjoy the benefits which our experience at Connecticut College has afforded us, it is up to us as alumni to assist in ensuring its strength.” We are so grateful to Muriel for her generosity and foresight that will sustain students for generations.