Funding His Passions
Dick Connors, Ph.D., was an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers, serving with the army of occupation on Okinawa in 1947. Upon graduating from Seton Hall in 1950, Dick was called again to serve his country in Korea from 1951 to 1952. He subsequently secured an M.A. and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Dick recalls: "Seton Hall was my home away from home. I grew up in its shadows and graduated from the Prep and the College." During his remarkable 40-year career with the University, he served as a professor and then chair of the Department of Political Science, before becoming provost.
Dick recently notified Joe Guasconi, Senior Director of Principal Gifts and Gift Planning, that he had included the University Libraries at Seton Hall in his estate plans. "My interest in the Library dates to the summer of 1949, when I was hired by President John McNulty to pick up a number of private book collections donated to Seton Hall," he says. "This was part of the process through which the College was transitioning to University status. As chair of the Department of Political Science, I made the development of Library holdings in that field a high priority."
Dick has spent his "retirement" years writing more than 15 books, many about military history, which reflects his hobby and passion for that topic. When not watching his beloved Pirates basketball team or attending games, Dick has made regular donations of books and archival materials to the Library. The Library also has served as an important resource for his research.
"My planned gift to the University is intended to enhance the Library's collections so it can continue to serve our students, faculty, alumni and the community at large," he says.
At a Glance: Bequests
- Charitable bequests are made by naming Seton Hall as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. This type of gift does not affect your cash flow.
- Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime. You can modify your gift at any time should circumstances change.
- You can direct your gift to the area of Seton Hall's mission that is most meaningful to you.
- We can provide you with model bequest language and will work with you on the details.