The alumnus estate gift of $2.18 million will support Husson athletics, scholarships, and more
BANGOR — Husson University has received a $2.18 million gift from an alumnus, the largest individual gift in university history.
Bob O’Keefe, Class of 1967, is making the donation on behalf of himself and his late wife, Fran, who have been supporters of Husson for more than two decades, starting with helping create the softball field. Last year, in 2023, The Fran O’Keefe Hitting Pavilion, a softball batting pavilion, was unveiled.
The $2.18 million estate gift will be divided between several initiatives including the Bob and Fran O’Keefe Endowed Scholarship, the President’s Priority Fund, capital improvements for Husson Athletics and an endowment to support the softball program. Estate gifts are ones that are allocated for posthumous distribution.
“Bob O’Keefe was the first Husson alumni to reach out to me when I was named president in early 2024 so it’s very special to me to announce this generous and impactful gift on the day of my inauguration,” said Husson President Lynne Coy-Ogan. “Bob and his beloved late wife Fran have helped Husson grow its softball program into the powerhouse it is today through their support and generosity.”
Bob O’Keefe graduated in 1967 with a bachelors degree in business administration and went on to work in sales for numerous organizations including Angelica Corporation. He retired in 1995.
“I hope this inspires other loyal Husson friends to consider their legacy and the impact they could have on Husson’s future with an estate gift,” O’Keefe said.
For more than 125 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders for the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson offers quality educational programs in areas including emerging technologies; business; finance; education; animal care; legal studies; healthcare; science and humanities; and communication. With a picturesque campus in Bangor, Maine, and a growing portfolio of online degree programs, Husson is meeting the needs of learners of all ages from around the United States and the world. For more information about educational opportunities, visit Husson.edu.
