Alumna’s Gift Reaffirms a Lifetime of Service and Loyalty

Inez Gianfranchi Snowdon ’38

By Lauren Sullivan Justice

Inez Gianfranchi Snowdon ’38 graduated from Colby Junior College more than 78 years ago, but her connection to the college would last a lifetime. She stayed in touch with the college by regularly attending reunions, by serving as Class Agent, and by starting a Colby-Sawyer College alumni club in Virginia. She showed her commitment to the college with regular contributions to the Colby-Sawyer Fund.

The depth of Inez’s affection toward Colby-Sawyer became apparent upon her death in 2015 at the age of 95, when she remembered the college in her will with the exceedingly generous gift of $316,000. Inez’s bequest reaffirmed not only her love for the college but her support for its students, faculty, staff, and leadership.

Inez looked back fondly at her time spent at Colby Junior and frequently waxed nostalgic about the giggles shared with her friends in her dorm in Colgate. Her time at Colby provided more than just “memories of laughter and fun”—she also gained a foundational education which served her throughout her life. 

After leaving Colby, Inez studied at and graduated from Wheelock College and went on to become a teacher, a bank teller, and a volunteer. She and her husband retired in Kennebunk, Maine, 20 years ago.

No matter how far Inez traveled, she always maintained her loyalty and affection for Colby-Sawyer College. Her bequest ensures that her service and commitment to the college will continue long after her passing.