GOFFSTOWN, NH – Robert and Beverly Grappone have made a $40M commitment to Saint Anselm College, the largest in the history of the college and among the largest gifts ever made in support of higher education in the state of New Hampshire.
Saint Anselm President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. made the public announcement on Tuesday, Nov. 4. “It feels inadequate to call it a ‘transformational’ gift, but there is no better way to describe something that will help shape Saint Anselm today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Truly, deeply transformational,” he said.
The Grappone’s connection with Saint Anselm College started with their son Greg, who graduated as a Great Books major in 2004. His love for the college became their love for the college, and when his life was cut short by cancer at age 35, the Grappones sought to honor him with support for his beloved alma mater.
Over the years, they have contributed to Saint Anselm in many ways, including funding the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute, and Grappone Hall, the home of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The $40 million gift commitment will significantly benefit many of the college’s strategic initiatives.
“We’re supporting an institution that has been strong to begin with, and we want to make sure it becomes even stronger in the future,” Bob Grappone said. “Saint Anselm has produced many wonderful leaders in the past, and these United States of America need many more leaders from the Hilltop.”
The gift includes $11 million for the newly approved School of Business, which will be named the Robert J. Grappone School of Business and Innovation, in addition to endowed operating funds for the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Also, the Grappone Humanities Institute will be fully endowed with a gift of $5 million; the Beverly D. Grappone Endowed Scholarship will be created; and multimillion dollar renovations will begin for Joan of Arc and Dominic residence halls; among other priorities.
“This is truly an extraordinary commitment for a college like Saint Anselm – and really for any school our size,” Dr. Favazza said. “Bob and Bev, we love you! And we pledge to honor the Grappone name and Greg’s legacy.”
While many colleges and universities are struggling in a challenging higher education environment, Saint Anselm is fortunate to have a different story. The college has seen enrollment growth over the last four years, increasing each year since the post-Covid class. This year’s incoming freshmen class set a record with 647 students. The college has a retention rate of 90%.
Last month, the college broke ground on the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will soon be the home of men’s and women’s track & field, cross country, and soccer. In September, the college opened the doors to Grappone Hall, the home of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The two-year Campaign for the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences is the largest project-based campaign in the history of Saint Anselm.