Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, has announced a $21 million gift from the estate of alumnus Keith Wellin ('50), the largest gift in the school's 209-year history.

The bequest includes gifts of art and $19 million to create an endowed scholarship fund. Wellin, who died in 2014, served in the U.S. Army before attending Hamilton, earned an MBA at Harvard, and went on to have a successful career in the securities industry. He served as a charter trustee of the school from 1969 to 1975 and again from 1986 and was named a life trustee a decade later.

During his lifetime, Wellin made gifts totaling approximately $36.5 million to the college in support of a variety of projects, including Carol Woodhouse Wellin Hall, named in memory of his first wife; an expansion of Taylor Science Center featuring the Wendy and Keith Wellin Atrium; the Wellin Performance Courts in the Little Squash Center; and the Ruth and Elmer Wellin Museum of Art, which is named for his parents. Wellin's widow, Wendy, serves on the advisory committee for the Wellin Museum and as an "honorary docent."

"It's hard to overstate the importance of a gift like this," said Hamilton College president David Wippman. "Keith's extraordinary generosity and long-standing devotion to the college, combined with Wendy's continuing involvement, will help countless students secure the benefits of a Hamilton education."

(Photo credit: Hamilton College)