Carroll University in Waukesha has received more than $4 million from the estate of a man to honor his late wife, who was a Carroll alumna.
George Richter, who died on Christmas Day 2010, at age 96, created the plan in memory of his wife, Gladys McKay Richter, a 1936 graduate of Carroll who died in 1992.
“George Richter was a good friend and loyal donor to Carroll University,” said Douglas Hastad, Carroll president. “Although George was not a Carroll graduate, he developed a keen interest in the university and our students over the years. We were privileged to have him visit campus on several occasions in his later years.”
This generous gift from Mr. Richter will be used according to his wishes:
• A portion will be added to the existing Gladys McKay Richter Endowed Scholarship Fund. That fund, established in 1993, provides scholarships for nursing students. To date, 125 Carroll students have benefited from its proceeds.
• Carroll also will establish the Gladys McKay Richter Endowed Chair in nursing. The gift will allow the university to attract and retain bright and talented faculty.
• The balance of the estate will be used to support Carroll’s health sciences programs.
“This gift and its uses will help fulfill Mr. Richter’s vision and our tremendous needs in this area,” said Hastad.
Gladys McKay Richter, a native of Oak Park, Ill., began her Carroll education in 1932. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Richter said he was inspired to support health sciences, and nursing in particular, because he was so impressed by the nurses who provided gentle and loving care to Gladys during the last years of her life.
