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Josephine K. Steiner, a 1944 graduate of Hood College, led a quiet and unassuming life. After getting her degree in history, she returned home to New York and worked as a teacher, then with the financial firm of E.F. Hutton. She maintained little contact with her alma mater, college President Ron Volpe said Wednesday. Steiner made sporadic donations over the years, and visited the campus only once after graduation. So it came as a surprise when college officials were notified that Steiner, who died July 26, left her entire estate of more than $2 million to Hood. "It's a wonderful gift to Hood," Volpe said. "And in this time of economic uncertainty, it couldn't have come at a better time for our students." The gift is unrestricted, meaning that Hood College board members decide where the money can best be used on campus. Volpe envisions the money being used for student scholarships, faculty research and development, and campus upgrades. And while making an unrestricted gift is selfless, it also reflects the trust Steiner had in College officials to spend the money wisely, said Nancy Gillece, Hood's vice president of institutional advancement. Gillece said Steiner called about three years ago, wanting to know how to leave her IRA to the college. While news of the gift was a surprise, so, too, was that of Steiner's death, Volpe said. The small college prides itself on its relationships with alumni, many of whom remain in the Frederick area. At a time when middle-class families are finding it increasingly difficult to send their children to independent schools, gifts like Steiner's help make that dream come true. "It truly is a transformational gift that will give back to this campus over and over," Volpe said. The announcement of the gift caps a three-week period Volpe said epitomizes the college's purpose. On May 16, the Class of 2009 received its diplomas. Last weekend, more than 600 alumni and friends came to the campus to celebrate reunions. And in a couple of days, Hood will hold freshman orientation for the Class of 2013. "So we send a group out with their Hood degrees, we welcome back a group of alumni, and we enroll the next group that will get their degrees in four years and come back to us as alumni," Volpe said. As long as he's been in education, Volpe said, he's never witnessed a weekend with more drama, jubilation and surprise as the reunion weekend. The Class of 1959 presented Hood with a check for just over $350,000, according to Volpe. And one alum, suffering from brain cancer, came to the reunion in an ambulance rather than miss the gathering. That devotion to Hood amazes Volpe and makes him proud to head the institution. "It was a very emotional weekend for all of us," he said. "We're emotionally drained. "But it reminds us all why we like coming to work every day." Steiner's estate consisted of securities, cash and real estate. The college has already received the securities, valued at about $1 million. Hood has authorized Steiner's attorney to sell the house, Volpe said. Hood will receive the remainder of the bequest after the estate is settled. Hood trustees will begin talking about plans for the money this weekend, Volpe said, and continue into the fall.
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