William Weldon, chairman of Quinnipiac University’s Board of Trustees and his wife, Barbara, have made a $15 million gift, the largest in the school’s history.
The gift was announced Wednesday during the inauguration of Judy D. Olian as the ninth president of the school. The event took place at QU’s People’s United Center on the Hamden campus.
Weldon, the retired chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, and his wife are both 1971 graduates of what was then Quinnipiac College. The couple’s gift is earmarked to support initiatives outlined in the university’s new strategic plan positioning Quinnipiac as a “University of the Future.”
During her inaugural address Olian described the impact and meaning of the Weldons’ philanthropy.
“Through this gift, Barbara and Bill are infusing our future with promise, energy and confidence,” Olian said. “We are all indebted to them for their unwavering commitment to Quinnipiac over many years, for their leadership and vision, for lifting our collective sights, and for their personal friendship. We are inspired by their life’s work and humbled by their generosity.”
Weldon and his spouse, the former Barbara Dearborn, attended Quinnipiac together after graduating from Ridgewood High School in New Jersey, and were married while still in college there.
“Quinnipiac University is a special place to us, offering outstanding academic programs and a multitude of learning opportunities for our students,” said the Weldons in a joint statement. “It changed our lives, and we hope it continues to open doors for many others. We are delighted to be able to contribute to our alma mater to embolden its future, and to help the university continue to create opportunity for future generations.”
