Reed College

Helen Stafford, a biology professor in Oregon, left Reed College an $8 million gift in 2011, with most of the money directed toward student aid. The bequest resurfaced in news coverage this week, drawing attention to how a quiet donation from an academic continues to support students more than a decade later.

Oregon biology professor Helen Stafford left Reed College $8 million in her will in 2011. Most of the money was directed toward student financial aid, with $1 million designated to support the college's biology department. The bequest stands as a significant act of philanthropy from a longtime faculty member, drawing renewed attention to how estate gifts shape small liberal arts colleges and their ability to fund scholarships and academic programs.