Alan '52 and Doris '52 Lang
Throughout his life, Alan Lang '52 spoke with gratitude about Bryant University. He met his wife, Doris A. (Bombard) Lang '52, as a student on the East Side campus, and they married shortly after graduation. It was also a Bryant contact who referred Alan for a position at Providence Paper—a job that launched his career in the paper distribution industry that spanned more than three decades.
Alan's career trajectory took him to Madison, Connecticut, to lead Chatfield Paper, where, as president and owner, he eventually acquired Providence Paper, bringing his career full circle. "Our mother was the CEO of their life," notes daughter, Jennifer Rowan.
They became active alumni and generous supporters of the University, with Alan serving on Bryant's National Alumni Council and as chairman of Bryant's annual giving fund in 1967. He was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1994.
The Langs extended a lifetime of Annual Fund and Bryant Leadership Council giving with a $93,000 gift disbursed from a charitable remainder trust after Alan passed away in April 2018. The funds were presented to the University on behalf their parents by Jennifer and her sister, Susan Lang.
"My parents always talked about their time at Bryant and how great it was," recalls Jennifer. "Bryant ultimately meant so much, especially to my father, because he came from really nothing and worked very hard in school. When Dad got to Bryant, he knew this was his opportunity to get an education and start his career. He attributed much of his success to his foundation at Bryant and the contacts he made there."
Adds Susan, "I think part of the reason for giving to Bryant was Dad's gratitude and part of it was to ensure that others would have that same opportunity. It was very important to him to provide young people with opportunity." This commitment was also reflected in Alan's support for the Boy Scouts of America and Rotary International.
"Dad always said college is a place to make connections and shape your future, as well as get a great education," says Susan; while Jennifer notes that her parents' first gifts to her infant daughters, Kayla and Murphy, included Bryant sweatshirts. Kayla, now a high school senior, recently accompanied her mother and aunt to Bryant and enjoyed a campus tour—a first step, perhaps, toward fulfilling one of her grandfather's fondest wishes.
You, like the Langs, can make Bryant University a part of your legacy, and make an impact on future students, with a planned gift. Contact Bob Ferrell at rferrell@bryant.edu or 401-232-6171 today.