A life-long connection and a lasting legacy

Martha "Marty" Hansen '59 says she can't think of a better place to support than Earlham College.

But that may be because Earlham was part of her life since even before she came to study in the 1950s.

As a child, Marty first learned of the College from her parents.

"My parents were very aware of Earlham," she says. "They were interested in Quakerism, and even attended some Yearly Meetings. They also volunteered at Olney Friends School (a Quaker boarding school in Barnesville, Oh.). "When I made the decision to come to Earlham, my parents were quite pleased."

During her undergraduate study in biology, Marty was inspired by the experiences she had with faculty — something that helped inspire her generosity to the College.

"I had courses with Carrolle Markle from biology and Jim Cope (former director of the Joseph Moore Museum and biology professor). I did a lot of work with (Professor Emeritus) Bill Stephenson raising fruit flies! We went on research trips to the Smokey Mountains and to Florida.

"It was a really close association between students and faculty — it was also a great time. I got a fabulous education that I used when I worked as an educator for the National Audubon Society for 17 years."

Marty and her alma mater reunited in the 1990s when her husband, Russell Hansen, was invited to display his artwork — photos of birds in flight —in a Leeds Gallery exhibition. More recently, Marty happened upon the Earlham Border Studies students while volunteering in Texas. After all of those years, Earlham continued to be a constant presence in her life.

So, Marty and her brother Ed Sykes decided to do something for the College that would provide a permanent legacy — and a permanent connection. The siblings are leaving their parents' farm in La Porte, Ind., to Earlham, a gift that could generate nearly $1 million for the College.

Marty's brother Ed worked and managed the farm for 56 years, building it up to a productive and thriving business. Ed saw what a positive experience Earlham was for his sister and always enjoyed his association with various people from Earlham, such as Landrum Bolling.

Development Officer Newell Pledger-Shinn '02 worked with Marty and Ed as they discussed their gift.

"Marty and Ed are an inspiration to me," Newell said. "Their clarity and joy in supporting Earlham renews my own belief in the school. Earlham was a special place when Marty attended as it is a special place today. The simple generosity of this brother and sister pair will help to ensure that it continues to be a special place for decades to come."

Maintaining the College and its experience for the next generation was inspiration enough for Marty to make her gift.

"Ed and I feel that Earlham stands for what we stand for: an outstanding education in the sciences and an interest in helping the world to be a better place for everyone," she explained.

"The income from our gift will be used to benefit Earlham students. Again, I can't think of a better place or idea to support."