An Alumna's Love for Bryant Runs Deep
The love Lucille Gotsell Killiany '46 had for Bryant extended well past her time as a student in the early 1940s when she was studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree, until her death in October 2021 while living in Thomaston in western Connecticut. "Everyone in Thomaston knew Lucille and knew she graduated from Bryant," said Susan Detri-Souve P'22, a member of the Bryant University Advancement staff. "When she heard that students from her town applied to Bryant, she would let me know. If they were accepted, she would let me know. If they chose not to attend Bryant, she took it personally. Her love for Bryant — and education — ran very deep."
"Lucille lived modestly, but she was an astute investor," said Susan. "Sometimes when I would visit her in Thomaston, she would ask me to take her on errands, including a visit to the bank to check on the latest rates. She wanted her money to earn as much as it could." Lucille and her late husband, Stephen, lived in the same house Lucille grew up in as an only child, and they owned other modest properties in town that they rented to neighbors. They and her parents were active members of the Thomaston Opera House community, where she served on its board of trustees and she was a supporter of the Thomaston Public Library.
"Bryant, the First Congregational Church and the Thomaston Public Library were all beneficiaries of Lucille's estate," said Susan, highlighting that many loyal supporters of organizations include those most important to them, such as Bryant University, in their estate plans, creating financial support that will benefit future generations. Lucille's love for Bryant and education will extend well into the future with her generous gift to the Lucille E. Gotsell Endowed Scholarship Fund, which she established in 1990 to benefit students in good academic standing with financial need.
Lucille made annual gifts to Bryant for close to 40 years and she was a charter member of the President's Leadership Council, now known as the Bryant Leadership Council, whose members make a gift of $1,000 or more every year. She was also a member of The Bryant University 1863 Society, which recognizes individuals who name Bryant in their will or trust, or through a life income plan. In addition to her generous financial support, Lucille chaired reunions, was a member of the National Alumni Council and served on various school committees.
In 1996 Lucille received the Nelson Gulski Award, which recognizes an alumnus or alumna with a record of exemplary and longstanding volunteer service to the University or the Alumni Association. In 2010 she received the Key to the College, becoming only the second person in Bryant's history to earn the honor. "One of Lucille's favorite activities when she visited campus was to meet her scholarship recipients," said Susan. In her later years when she was unable to travel, Lucille would devour any news from campus. "She loved hearing from Bryant. She kept up with everything."
Giving was in Lucille's spirit and she exhibited that spirit in ways small and large. "The last gift Lucille made to Bryant was in memory of her dear friend, Marie Renza '42," said Susan. Susan reflected that throughout the time she spent with Lucille, she was struck with how much energy Lucille exhibited in her life and in her actions on behalf of Bryant. "Lucille loved Bryant from the time she was a student," said Susan. "Her love and generosity toward Bryant will live on for the many students who will benefit from her gift of scholarships. By including Bryant in her will, Lucille created an enduring legacy of opportunity for future generations of Bryant students."
Contact Bob Ferrell at 401-232-6171 or rferrell@bryant.edu to learn more about how you can create a legacy at Bryant University with your estate plan.