In 2017, Dean Gallagher enrolled in his first painting class at HCC as a way to keep himself busy during retirement. He was immediately impressed by his professor, Alix Hegeler, and the way she connected with her students. After taking more classes and getting to know the other students better, Gallagher began to think about ways he could support his classmates, many of whom were struggling with the challenges of poverty. He contacted the HCC Foundation and learned that by naming the college in his estate plans, he could create an endowed scholarship that would help students in need while honoring the memory of Professor Hegeler, who passed away in 2021. He has now established the Alix Hegeler and Dean Gallagher Scholarship Fund, which will be awarded to students studying fine arts.
Join Dean and dozens of others who are creating support for HCC that will last far into the future. Naming Holyoke Community College Foundation as a beneficiary in your estate plans makes you a member of the Frost Society. Just let us know!
“Some of the students are so talented it just blows my mind. Once we’re in the class for a while, sharing and critiquing one another’s work, we all become part of the same experience. And as I began to listen to their stories, their struggles, I learned how hard life has been for them. I said to myself, ‘There’s got to be a way I can help these kids.’”
It’s a simple process. Many types of planned gifts are easy to arrange, won’t affect your current lifestyle, and often return benefits back to you.
You can make a planned gift to HCC today that will cost nothing during your lifetime.
Talk to your financial advisor to find out your best options. To learn more about becoming a member of the Frost Society, or if you already have named HCC in your estate plans, contact John Sieracki, leadership gift officer.
jsieracki@hcc.edu
413.552.2746
