Connecticut College in New London has announced a $30 million gift from Granite Telecommunications president and CEO Robert Hale ('88) and his wife, Karen, in support of financial aid, athletics, and improvements to campus infrastructure.

The largest philanthropic gift in the school's history will be split evenly among the three focus areas, the need for which, according to the college, became clearer during the coronavirus pandemic. Combined with a $20 million gift they made in 2015, the Hales have provided more than $50 million in support of the school.

"This college changed my life," said Robert Hale. "Karen and I believe deeply in its mission, in its innovations as a liberal arts educator, and in the leadership skills it builds in students. More than ever, our society needs the kinds of graduates that this college helps develop, and we are honored to help do our part to stand with them. We hope others will join us."

"As our country emerges from the trials of this pandemic, Karen and Rob have exercised another multimillion-dollar vote of confidence for the future of the liberal arts, sending a message about the transformative power of a Connecticut College education," said the school's president, Katherine Bergeron. "Their gifts are super-charging the momentum of a college whose spirit of creativity, resiliency, and determination to lead have been on vivid display across this challenging year. We are incredibly moved and inspired by their commitment."

(Photo credit: Michael Blanchard)