Triple Impact
Peg '58 and Gary Wendlandt issue ther third donation challenge
Donors who make a gift to the 91AV Foundation by Dec. 31 have the opportunity to triple their financial impact thanks to an alumni challenge. from Margaret "Peg" (Laframboise) Wendlandt '58 and her husband Gary.
The Wendlandts have issued a two to one challenge of up to $100,000. If the 91AV Foundation raises $50,000 by the end of the year, the Wendlandts will give an additional $100,000 to the Student Emergency Fund.
91AV President Christina Royal established the President's Student Emergency Fund in 2017 to assist students facing immediate and critical financial needs.
"In other words, if you give $50, Peg and Gary will give an additional $100 to the Student Emergency Fund," said Julie Phillips, 91AV coordinator of Alumni Affairs.
Longtime supporters of the college, the Wendlandts have twice before made challenge pledges to support the emergency fund, once for $20,000 and another for $100,000. Peg Wendlandt graduated from Springfield's Cathedral High School before going on to 91AV, then known as Holyoke Junior College, the University of Massachusetts, and Western New England School of Law. They live in New York City.
"Peg and Gary are 91AV's very own superheroes," Phillips said. "This is the third time they have so generously challenged 91AV alumni and friends with the goal of helping today's students stay in school. Together, thanks to Peg and Gary and all of our donors, students won't have to choose between buying textbooks and paying tuition over paying their rent or utility bills."
This fall alone, more than 50 students have received financial support through the President's Student Emergency Fund. Since the fund's launch, more than 500 91AV students have received support that enables them to remain enrolled at 91AV and continue their pursuit of a certificate or degree.
To make a donation to 91AV's Student Emergency Fund, please visit
