Robert and Beverly Grappone P’04, HD’21 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 or any Catholic liberal arts college in the country.
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 Grappones’ 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 tragically cut short by cancer at age 35, Bob and Bev sought to honor him with deep support for his beloved alma mater.
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.
Over the years, they have contributed to Saint Anselm in many ways. In 1999, Bob and the Grappone companies generously named Grappone Stadium for Bob's parents. Since then, they have been regular sponsors of our Corporate Partners breakfasts; contributed $1 million to endow the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute and then provided a leadership gift of $1 million to create a new home for the Humanities Institute. And most recently, Bev made a gift of $5 million to name Grappone Hall, the home of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The $40M gift commitment will significantly benefit many of the College’s strategic initiatives as part of Ascent to the Hilltop: Vision 2030.
“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.”
The gift includes $11M for the newly approved School of Business, which will be named the Robert J. Grappone School of Business and Innovation.
Also, the Grappone Humanities Institute, under the direction of Dr. Gary Bouchard, will be fully endowed with a gift of $5M; along with multimillion dollar renovations to Joan of Arc and Dominic residence halls; support for the Van Hoof Athletic Complex; an endowed Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences Faculty Education Fund; the creation of the Beverly D. Grappone Endowed Scholarship for nursing students; and funds are set aside for other campus improvements.
“Words cannot express my gratitude to Bev and Bob for their extraordinary philanthropy, steadfast friendship, and their belief in and deep commitment to Saint Anselm’s students and mission,” said Jim Flanagan, senior vice president and chief advancement officer. “I hope their story will inspire every Anselmian to imitate their generosity and commitment to the college in whatever way they can.”
Additionally, their gift will support endowed operating funds for the School of Arts and Sciences, the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and the Robert J. Grappone School of Business and Innovation.
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 programs. The 18-month campaign goal for the Van Hoof Athletic Complex is $2.5 million, with $1.6 million raised to date.
In September, the College opened the doors to Grappone Hall, the home of the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
The three-year Campaign for the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Grappone Hall is the largest project-based campaign in the history of Saint Anselm. Through its ambitious $40 million goal, the campaign is directing $32 million toward the construction of Grappone Hall and $8 million for scholarships and programs.
“Friends, the world needs more Anselmians,” President Favazza said. “With the transformative support of Bob and Bev Grappone, and our many other benefactors, we are ensuring a Saint Anselm education for the next generation, and the next generation, and generations to come.”