Area Alumnus Gives Holy Cross over $1 Million

WORCESTER, Mass. – George J. White, a 1939 graduate, is donating $400,000 to the College of the Holy Cross, which when added to his $625,000 gift in 1994, brings his total lifetime giving to more than $1 million.  His generosity earns him membership in the "Cornerstone Society," a select group of individuals who have each given in excess of $1 million to Holy Cross.

In recognition of his most recent gift, the College will name the religious studies conference room in Smith Hall (now under construction) in honor of George J. White.

White and his wife, Eileen, are residents of Holden.  He is a charter member of the President's Council and a lifetime member of the Benefactor's Circle.  Both George and Eileen White are active participants in the 1843 Society (a group of alumni who support the College through their estate plans).

White, a Certified Public Accountant who practiced public accounting for 42 years, has lent his fiscal acumen to Holy Cross over the years as a member of numerous committees.  He received a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston University in 1941.  He taught accounting at Holy Cross in 1977.

"George J. White is a remarkably loyal and generous Holy Cross alumnus who continues to do so much for his beloved alma mater," says Frank Vellaccio, acting president of the College. "George's gifts will make a lasting and most positive impact on Holy Cross - today and in the years to come."

White has been actively involved with the Holy Cross Club of Worcester since his graduation and served many terms on the Club's board of directors.  In addition, he has been a class agent for more than 40 years and, since 1989, has served as the chairman of his class.  In 1998, White received the In Hoc Signo Award, the General Alumni Association's highest honor.

Six years ago, in another gesture of loyalty and generosity, White established a student scholarship, The George J. White Memorial Scholarship Fund, enabling qualified students from Worcester to attend Holy Cross.