$40 million gift to college from Robert and Beverly Grappone

Robert and Beverly Grappone have gifted $40 million to Saint Anselm College — the most significant gift in the school’s history and one of the biggest ever made to higher education in New Hampshire.

“It feels inadequate to call it a ‘transformational’ gift, but there is no better way to describe something that will help shape Saint Anselm today, tomorrow, and for generations to come,” said college president Joseph A. Favazza.

The Grappones’ relationship with Saint Anselm began through their son, Greg, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in Great Books. After Greg passed from cancer at age 35, his parents devoted themselves to supporting the college he loved.

Their generosity has already left a mark on campus, including the Gregory J. Grappone Humanities Institute and Grappone Hall, home to the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“We’re supporting an institution that has been strong to begin with, and we want to make sure it becomes even stronger in the future,” said Robert Grappone.

“Saint Anselm has produced many wonderful leaders in the past, and the United States of America needs many more leaders from the Hilltop.”

The $40 million gift will bolster several major initiatives at the college. It includes $11 million for the newly approved School of Business, which will be named the Robert J. Grappone School of Business and Innovation.

It will also provide endowed operating funds for the School of Arts and Sciences and the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

The Grappone Humanities Institute will receive a $5 million endowment, and the Beverly D. Grappone Endowed Scholarship will be established.

Additionally, the college plans multi-million-dollar renovations for the Joan of Arc and Dominic residence halls.

“This is truly an extraordinary commitment for a college like Saint Anselm—and really for any school our size,” Favazza said.

“Bob and Bev, we love you, and we pledge to honor the Grappone name and Greg’s legacy.”