Endicott College Celebrates One Million Dollar Gift From Alumna Linda Frame Cleary '76
BEVERLY, Mass.– With the desire to promote philanthropy and inspire others, alumna and former Board of Trustees member Linda Frame Cleary ’76 has recently donated $1 million to establish The Cleary Family Scholarship Fund at Endicott College.
This remarkable and exciting donation will fund scholarships that will be awarded to students who have a strong academic standing and are facing significant financial need.
“We decided to put our donation toward scholarships where it was most needed at this time, due to COVID-19 and so many students with financial hardships,” said Cleary. “Parents are losing jobs and finding it hard to cover overhead, and this donation will help families facing the difficult choice of having their child drop out of college.”
“The Endicott community is eternally grateful to the Cleary family for the investment they have made in today’s students, and for future generations to come,” said David Vigneron, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “More than 90% of Endicott College students are in need of financial aid, and with this extraordinary gift from Linda and her family, it will help so many students reach their dream of a college education.”
Cleary received an associate degree in early childhood education from Endicott in 1976 before continuing her education at C.W. Post College and teaching third and sixth grade and preschool. In 2015, she joined the Endicott Board of Trustees. “I was so honored,” she says. “I had not been back to the campus for many years. When I came back to take a tour I was totally impressed; the campus had grown so much. The school was becoming a model for other colleges with the internship program. I am very proud to be an alumna of Endicott.”
The gift was made in honor of Cleary by the family’s charitable trust. “Philanthropy is very important to our family,” Cleary says. “We have taught our children to help others when you are able. We have had a blessed life and we believe in giving back. Having the means, it was a natural decision to donate to Endicott. It is so difficult in this country for students to get a degree and not come out of college deeply in debt.”
To her fellow alumni, Cleary says, “I implore you to take a trip to your beloved Endicott College that gave you the chance to explore your interests. Come to a reunion and see the changes that are happening on campus. You will be amazed and have a first-class experience. Please find it in your heart to donate when called upon. I have met so many students and alumni; the present day students are enjoying being able to get an undergraduate degree all the way up to their doctorate.”
To make a gift to Endicott College, please visit endicott.edu/give.