In 1988, Eleanor M. Carlson pledged a
gift of one million dollars to the University of Rhode Island
Women's Studies program. In her letter of conveyance she
said,
"I have a deep interest in, and a great passion for
matters which affect the status of women in our society.
That interest
has motivated me to give a great deal of my energy to opportunities
for women and lately to the subject of women as an academic
pursuit. Because of this, and my deep convictions about the
importance and influence of my education, I wish to make
a gift to the University; one which will serve to advance
the status of women by providing educational opportunity
and add to the growing prestige of Women’s Studies
as a discipline and a department of the University."
The proceeds of the million dollar gift, in compliance
with Elearnor Carlson's wishes, were used to establish
the following four endowments:
The Eleanor M. and Oscar M. Carlson Endowed Chair
in Women’s
Studies.
Income from this endowment supports a chair in
the Women’s Studies Program at the University of
Rhode Island.
The Eleanor M. and Oscar M. Carlson Endowed Scholarship
Fund.
Income from this endowment provides financial aid
to women students who are single-parent heads of households,
and who have one or more dependent children.
The Eleanor M. and Oscar M. Carlson Women’s Studies
Visiting Scholars Endowment.
Income from this endowment
brings to the University distinguished lecturers whose
scholarship is related to the field of Women’s Studies.
The Eleanor M. and Oscar M. Carlson Women’s Studies
Library Endowment.
Income from this endowment is used for
Women’s Studies related journals, periodicals, and
books.
