An Extraordinary Commitment to the Liberal Arts

Jonathan Stavin’s commitment to ensuring that all students are supported as they take advantage of the opportunities offered through a Conn education is evident in his generous giving to the Connecticut College Fund and the LGBTQIA Resource Center. His recent bequest intention demonstrates his ongoing belief in the future of the College.

During his time at Conn, Jonathan was a member of the Dorm Council, served as a student advisor, and was a member of the SGA. He graduated with a degree in government and went on to obtain a JD from Penn State Dickinson Law. As an alumnus Jonathan has been a dedicated volunteer, acting as an alumni admission representative, class gift officer, Reunion Committee member, and a planned giving agent. Jonathan currently serves on the Connecticut College Board of Trustees.

Would you share some of your memories from your time at Conn and how your experience shaped you personally and professionally?

Quite simply, Connecticut College was the first place in my life where I was able to explore broadly topics of interest to me and learn about myself as an individual. The quiet beauty of the campus and the intellectual rigor of the faculty combined to provide a unique environment and experience that I treasure. I hope to help preserve this unique environment for future generations of students.

Would you talk a little about your decision to join the Board of Trustees?

Having recently retired, I was looking for a way to increase my involvement with organizations that helped me create a fulfilling and dynamic life. Connecticut College had a tremendous impact on my worldview. I learned to think in a critical and analytical way. The liberal arts education I received helped me recognize opportunities and understand different points of view, both critical skills for personal and professional development.

The selection of Andrea Chapdelaine as the twelfth president of Conn was also an important factor. Joining the BOT at the same time a new president takes the reins will allow me to assist President Chapdelaine as she helps define what it means to be a liberal arts college as we enter the second quarter of the twenty-first century. Her extraordinary experience and vision for Connecticut College will help set up Conn for continued academic excellence and help to focus attention on the areas of Conn that should be strengthened and improved so the College can continue to attract outstanding students.

You have been a generous and consistent supporter of the LGBTQIA Center. Why has this been important to you?

I believe it is important for all students to have a safe space to meet and form relationships with other students and faculty who may be from disparate backgrounds but all value diversity, equity, inclusion, and intellectual curiosity.

When I was a student at Conn in the 1980s, these types of spaces did not exist. In the past 20 years, LGBTQ people have made historic gains in fundamental rights. It is important that today’s students have a place to meet, learn about, and plan to protect those hard-earned rights—and to socialize with others who respect and celebrate the diversity of the Connecticut College community.

What other factors have motivated your support of the College, and why do you think it’s important for alumni to give back?

Connecticut College will not continue to exist without the support of the parents, friends, and alumni that have experienced the tremendous opportunities to learn and grow provided by a small liberal arts college like Conn.

Why did you decide to include Connecticut College in your estate plan?

I believe including Connecticut College in my estate plan sends a message to my family and friends about the importance of supporting people and places that were/are fundamental to the development of rich and fulfilling lives.