Tradition of generosity keeps mother’s legacy alive

Tradition of generosity keeps mother's legacy alive

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Friday, October 11, 2024

Mitzi Dearborn comes back to campus each year for Homecoming, traveling from her home in Wisconsin to support the Barbara Smith Dearborn '60 Golf Classic named for her mother, a devoted alumna and dedicated, longtime faculty member. This year will mark the 44th anniversary of the event, which raises funds for student scholarships at Plymouth State.

"I always see some of my mother's former students," Mitzi says. "They come up and tell me what a wonderful teacher she was to them."

These bonds as well as Mitzi's own memories from her time on campus keep Barbara's spirit alive and present in her heart and mind. "I feel very connected to her through those around me on campus," Mitzi says.

In addition to being a selfless professor, Mitzi says her mother was a talented artist, an avid golfer, and an active community member. "Her energy and enthusiasm were invigorating and synergistic. She delighted in sharing with others and making learning a fun experience."

"My parents believed in giving back and helping students, recognizing their accomplishments and providing opportunities to achieve their goals," Mitzi continues, noting she and her husband have been giving to Plymouth State for 28 years. "My husband and I are really glad to continue that tradition."

The Dearborn family has established four endowed scholarships at Plymouth State. From 1968 to 1982, Barbara and her husband, Dennis "Denny" Dearborn '56, annually funded a scholarship tuition award of the Barbara S. Dearborn '60 Mathematics Scholarship, which they endowed in 1983.

After her mother passed away in 1996, Mitzi and her father founded the Barbara S. Dearborn '60 Endowed Art Scholarship, and in 2012, Mitzi and her husband, Ernest May, established the Mitzi Dearborn and Ernest May Endowed Psychology Scholarship.

In 2022, after her father's passing, Mitzi and Ernest announced and funded the Dennis C. Dearborn '56 Endowed Business Scholarship.

Always hoping to benefit Plymouth State and its students, Mitzi recently donated some of her mother's oil paintings to be auctioned. Proceeds were divided between the Museum of the White Mountains and the Barbara S. Dearborn '60 Endowed Art Scholarship.

Mitzi has met countless student scholarship recipients over the years and enjoys speaking with them and hearing their plans. "It is rewarding and inspiring to connect with the students," she says.

ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP

Establishing a named scholarship is a meaningful way to honor a family member, a mentor, or a specific passion of yours. A named annual scholarship can be established with a four-year commitment of at least $2,500 annually. Alternatively, you can create a scholarship endowment with a minimum gift of $50,000, which will generate a 3% to 4% annual payout to provide scholarship awards in perpetuity.

For more information, visit plymouth.edu/giving, or contact Director of Development John Scheinman P'19, P'21G by phone at (603) 535-2805 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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• Donor Impact