Trustee Emeritus Jacqueline Badger Mars ’61 has been a steadfast champion of Bryn Mawr since her days as a student. Forever grateful for the level of intellectual experience she was exposed to at the College, Mars has expressed her appreciation and devotion through her longstanding service as a trustee, her active alumna life, and her generous philanthropy.
Mars’ latest act of generosity is a $5 million gift to the Defy Expectation Campaign.
“Jacquie’s commitment to the College at this special time ensures that future generations of women will also experience Bryn Mawr’s unique sense of community and enduring academic excellence,” said Denise Lee Hurley ’82, P’17, trustee and campaign chair.
Mars’ gift is in support of a new capital project: a student life and wellness center currently being developed. The College hopes to break ground on this new building in 2019.
“The new center will include a wide variety of student support services including medical and counseling services, religious life, and our Pensby Center for Community Development and Inclusion. This co-location will enable a greater focus on the whole student and support for new synergies across departments,” said Bryn Mawr President Kim Cassidy.
“What is truly unique—and is happening because of Jacquie’s generosity—is our ability now to expand our plans to include our entire Leadership, Innovation and Liberal Arts Center (LILAC), which includes career development, leadership programming, and civic engagement programs in the new building. We believe this new wellness center will be a tangible symbol of our commitment to our students’ achievements and leadership.”
Hurley said, “Jacquie has been an advocate for the concept of LILAC from its inception so it is fitting that her Campaign gift is in support of the College’s holistic approach to both our students’ wellness and their success beyond Bryn Mawr.”
In addition to her dedication to Bryn Mawr, Mars is the owner and operator of Stonehall Farm, a working farm that specializes in organic farming, horse training and horse breeding. She retired from a long and distinguished career at Mars Inc., begun by her grandfather as a candy manufacturer and where she was president of the Food Product Group and served on the board. Today, she is a passionate promoter of the arts, conservation and women’s education. She serves on a variety of boards including the Smithsonian Institution and is president of the Mars Family Foundation.
Defy Expectation: The Campaign for Bryn Mawr