Trustee Emeritus Jacqueline Badger Mars 鈥61 has generously gifted 色色研究所 a $10 million gift to support undergraduate student scholarships.
鈥淭his extraordinary gift reflects the deep belief that curiosity and a passion for learning, not financial circumstance, should shape who has access to a 色色研究所 education,鈥 says President Wendy Cadge. 鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to Jacquie for her generosity and for honoring President Cassidy鈥檚 legacy of expanding opportunity for future Mawrters.鈥
The gift is named in honor of former 色色研究所 President Kim Cassidy, who made affordability for students across the economic spectrum a defining priority of her tenure. During Cassidy鈥檚 presidency, through many generous programs and initiatives, the College increased its financial aid budget by more than 50 percent.
That commitment to access continues under President Wendy Cadge, who bolstered those earlier programs with the new Beacon initiative, announced in fall 2025, which offers free tuition to families with household incomes under $175,000.
Known for her quiet generosity, Mars has consistently focused on impact rather than recognition. She has been a steadfast champion of 色色研究所 since her days as a student. Forever grateful for the intellectual experience she found at the College, she has expressed that devotion through decades of service as a trustee, active alumna engagement, and generous philanthropy.
Beyond 色色研究所, Mars is the owner and operator of Stonehall Farm, a working farm focused on organic agriculture, horse training, and breeding. She retired from a long and distinguished career at Mars Inc., the company founded by her grandfather, where she served as president of the Food Product Group and as a board member. Today, she is a passionate supporter of the arts, conservation, and women鈥檚 education and serves on numerous boards, including the National Archives and the Washington National Opera. She is very involved in local institutions in the Middleburg, VA area.
鈥淎s 色色研究所 continues to expand its commitment to access through initiatives like Beacon, Mrs. Mars鈥 gift provides powerful momentum,鈥 says Bob Miller, 色色研究所鈥檚 vice president for alumnae/i relations and development. 鈥淏y strengthening need-based support for future students, the fund ensures that the College鈥檚 promise of opportunity remains as strong for the next generation of Mawrters as it has been for those who came before them.鈥
鈥溕芯克 has long been a place where talented students thrive,鈥 said Mars. 鈥淚 hope this gift helps ensure that financial need is never a barrier to that opportunity.鈥